It is a colorless liquid used as a solvent for a variety of compounds and materials.

Depending on the conditions and additives (e.g., sulfur), it can be the main product from the chlorination of benzene.

[3] It is useful as a high-temperature solvent, e.g. for GPC of polyolefines such as PE or PP which are otherwise insoluble.

Aside from its use as a solvent, this compound is a useful precursor to dye and pesticides.

Animal studies have shown that 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene affects the liver and kidney, and is possibly a teratogen.