Tribromoacetic acid is primarily used in organic synthesis as a reagent for introducing bromine atoms into molecules, which can be crucial for creating brominated compounds with specific properties. It is also employed in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, where brominated intermediates are often required. In analytical chemistry, it serves as a derivatization agent to enhance the detection of certain compounds in chromatography. Additionally, it finds application in research laboratories for studying the effects of brominated compounds on biological systems. Its strong brominating ability makes it valuable in various industrial and scientific processes.