This chemical is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as a versatile intermediate. It is often employed in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals due to its reactive bromomethyl group, which facilitates further functionalization. The compound is particularly valuable in the development of trifluoromethyl-substituted aromatic compounds, which are significant in medicinal chemistry for their enhanced biological activity and metabolic stability. Additionally, it is used in the synthesis of complex molecules for research purposes, enabling the study of structure-activity relationships in drug discovery. Its chloro and trifluoromethyl groups also contribute to its utility in creating compounds with specific electronic and steric properties.