Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pesticides and herbicides, particularly in the production of chlorinated aromatic compounds. It plays a key role in the manufacture of certain fungicides and plant growth regulators due to its reactivity with hydroxyl and amino groups. Also employed in the development of dyes and specialty polymers where chlorinated building blocks are required. Its high reactivity makes it suitable for introducing trichloromethyl groups in organic transformations, especially in pharmaceutical and agrochemical research laboratories.