Benzyl benzodithioate is primarily used in organic synthesis as a reagent for the introduction of the benzodithioate functional group. It is particularly valuable in the preparation of thioesters and thioethers, which are important intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The compound is also employed in polymer chemistry, where it acts as a chain transfer agent in radical polymerization processes, helping to control the molecular weight and polydispersity of the resulting polymers. Additionally, benzyl benzodithioate finds application in materials science for the modification of surfaces and the development of functional materials with specific properties. Its ability to act as a sulfur donor makes it useful in the synthesis of sulfur-containing compounds, which are often key components in various industrial and research applications.