Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a building block for sulfur-containing compounds due to its reactive chloroalkyl and phenylthio groups. Its structure allows for facile alkylation and sulfide linkage formation, making it valuable in the development of specialty chemicals and active ingredients in crop protection agents. Additionally, it may be employed in research settings for the preparation of sulfonium salts and heterocyclic systems.