This chemical is primarily used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for producing more complex molecules. It is often employed in the preparation of long-chain fatty acid derivatives, which are valuable in the development of surfactants, lubricants, and plasticizers. Additionally, it can serve as a building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the creation of compounds with specific biological activities. Its bromine atom makes it a useful precursor for further functionalization through substitution reactions, enabling the introduction of various functional groups into the molecule.