Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical industry for the preparation of certain central nervous system agents and anticonvulsant drugs. It reacts with amines to form amides, making it valuable in constructing complex molecules. Also employed in the synthesis of ketones and other carbonyl-containing compounds through Friedel-Crafts acylation and related reactions. Its aromatic acyl chloride structure allows for selective derivatization in multi-step synthetic pathways.