It is a colorless transparent oily liquid with a strong pungent odor and corrosive properties. It reacts violently with water, alcohols and strong alkalis, releasing heat and toxic hydrogen chloride gas. It should be stored sealed, dry and in a cool place.

1. It is a key intermediate for organic synthesis, used in the production of pesticides (chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl), pharmaceuticals, dyes and fine chemicals.
2. It acts as an acylating agent and chlorinating agent, introducing the trichloroacetyl group in organic synthesis.