This chemical is primarily used as a bifunctional alkylating agent in organic synthesis, where the bromide and triflate moieties act as excellent leaving groups for introducing functionalized ethyl chains into molecules. It is valuable in the preparation of complex organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, due to its role as a highly reactive intermediate.

In medicinal chemistry, it is employed to modify or functionalize molecules, such as creating linkers or enhancing biological activity and stability. Additionally, it is utilized in the synthesis of polymers and materials, where the triflate group can impart improved properties such as thermal stability or chemical resistance. Its reactivity makes it a useful tool in cross-coupling reactions and other advanced synthetic methodologies.