Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antihistamines. It serves as a building block in organic reactions where a benzophenone scaffold with specific halogen substitutions is required. Its chloro groups allow for further functionalization through cross-coupling reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for developing active drug compounds. Also utilized in the preparation of photoinitiators for UV-curable coatings and polymers due to its ability to absorb ultraviolet light and generate free radicals.