Used primarily as a fire retardant in various materials, it effectively reduces flammability in plastics, textiles, and other synthetic products. It also serves as a reagent in organic synthesis, particularly in bromination reactions where it introduces bromine atoms into organic compounds. Additionally, it is employed in the preparation of other brominated compounds and in some industrial processes as a solvent or intermediate. Its application in fire suppression systems is notable due to its ability to inhibit combustion effectively. However, its use has declined due to environmental and health concerns associated with brominated compounds.