This compound, known as the meso-(1R,2S)-1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane-1,2-diamine, serves as a versatile building block in organic synthesis due to its vicinal diamine functionality and electron-withdrawing 4-chlorophenyl groups. These features enable diverse reactivity, including nucleophilic substitutions, condensations, and complex formations, making it useful for preparing pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals. Although achiral (meso form), it is employed in coordination chemistry to form metal complexes for catalytic applications. Its derivatives, particularly the enantiopure forms, are explored as chiral ligands in asymmetric synthesis.