1-Chloro-3-dodecylbenzene serves as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly for the production of specialty surfactants, detergents, and related compounds. The long dodecyl alkyl chain imparts excellent hydrophobic and oil-soluble properties, while the chlorine substituent at the meta position enables further chemical modifications, such as nucleophilic substitution or directed sulfonation. It is employed in the manufacture of alkylbenzene derivatives used in linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS)-like surfactants for household and industrial cleaners, as well as in emulsifiers for agrochemical formulations and performance additives for lubricants, benefiting from its stability across acidic and basic conditions.