Chlorobenzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with an aromatic, almond-like odor. Some of it will dissolve in water, but it readily evaporates into air. It does not occur naturally in the environment. Chlorobenzene production in the United States has declined by more than 60% from its peak in 1960. It was used in the past to make other chemicals, such as phenol and DDT. Now chlorobenzene is used as a solvent for some pesticide formulations, to degrease automobile parts, and as a chemical intermediate to make several other chemicals.

It is an important organic chemical product and an intermediate for dyes, pharmaceuticals and organic synthesis. It is used in the manufacture of phenol, nitrochlorobenzene, aniline and the insecticide DDT, as well as in the preparation of solvents, rubber additives, paints, quick-drying inks and dry cleaning agents, with a wide range of applications.