Used primarily as an intermediate in the production of pesticides such as DDT (though largely phased out), chloral also serves in the synthesis of other organic compounds including pharmaceuticals and dyes. It reacts with water to form chloral hydrate, which has been historically used in medicine as a sedative and hypnotic. In industrial settings, it is employed in the manufacture of plasticizers and stabilizers for polymers. Due to its reactivity and toxicity, handling is restricted to controlled environments.