Used in organic synthesis to introduce the isocyanate group, particularly in the preparation of ureas and carbamates by reacting with amines or alcohols. Employed in the production of certain pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals where cyanate derivatives serve as key intermediates. Applied in peptide chemistry to modify amino groups selectively. Also utilized in the manufacture of dyes and pigments, and in some cases, as a stabilizer in polymer systems. Its ability to form thiocyanates when reacted with sulfur compounds makes it useful in specialty chemical synthesis.