It is mainly used as a precursor chemical in the synthesis of agrochemicals, as a preferred solvent for dissolving and working with fullerenes, as an insecticide, and in softening and removing carbon-based contamination on metal surfaces.

1,2-Dichlorobenzene is obtained as a side-product of the production of chlorobenzene: The reaction also affords the 1,4- and small amounts of the 1,3-isomer.

The 1,3- isomer is uncommon because it is a meta- compound, while chlorine, like all halogens, is an ortho/para- director in terms of electrophilic aromatic substitution.

It is an insecticide for termites and locust borers, historically used by the United States Forest Service to combat widespread bark beetle outbreaks.

[7] Data from human exposure to 1,2-dichlorobenzene shows that concentrations of 100 ppm have been reported to cause sporadic irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract.