Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. It serves as an alkylating agent due to the reactivity of the chlorine atom, enabling the introduction of a fluorinated alkyl chain into target molecules. Its bifunctional nature (chloro and fluoro groups) makes it valuable in constructing complex molecules where selective reactivity is required. Commonly employed in the preparation of fluorinated analogs of bioactive compounds, which can exhibit enhanced metabolic stability or altered lipophilicity. Also utilized in the synthesis of specialty solvents and functional polymers where fluorine imparts desirable physical properties.