Used primarily in organic synthesis, it serves as a key intermediate in the production of various pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. It is particularly valuable in the synthesis of N-methylated amines, which are crucial in the development of drugs targeting the central nervous system. Additionally, it is employed in the preparation of quaternary ammonium compounds, which have applications in surfactants and disinfectants. The bromoethyl group functions as an alkylating agent in nucleophilic substitution reactions, aiding in the creation of complex molecular structures.