Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It plays a key role in the production of rubber vulcanization accelerators, particularly in manufacturing sulfur donor accelerators that improve the curing process of rubber. Also utilized in the development of dyes and fluorescent whiteners due to its reactive chloromethyl group, which allows for easy functionalization. Its derivatives are explored in medicinal chemistry for antimicrobial and antitumor activities, making it valuable in research settings for drug discovery.