Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves in the production of certain herbicides and plant growth regulators due to its reactivity with amine and hydroxyl groups. Also employed in organic synthesis for introducing dichloroacetyl functionalities, which can act as protecting groups or building blocks in complex molecule assembly. Its high solubility in water and polar solvents makes it suitable for solution-phase reactions. Additionally, it has been explored in the development of biologically active compounds, including antimicrobial and antifungal agents.