Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. It serves as a building block in reactions where its reactive lactone ring and chlorine substituents allow for further functionalization. Commonly employed in the preparation of herbicides and plant growth regulators due to its ability to mimic or interfere with natural plant signaling molecules. Also utilized in research settings for developing novel bioactive compounds, especially those requiring halogenated heterocyclic structures. Its electrophilic nature makes it suitable for nucleophilic substitution reactions in organic synthesis.