Trichloroacetonitrile is primarily used as a chemical intermediate in organic synthesis. It serves as a reagent in the preparation of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals due to its ability to introduce trichloromethyl groups into target molecules. It is also employed in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, which are important structures in many bioactive molecules. Additionally, it finds use in the production of dyes and specialty polymers. Its high reactivity makes it valuable in laboratory-scale transformations, particularly in chlorination and cyanation reactions. Due to its volatility and reactivity, it is handled under controlled conditions in industrial and research settings.