Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its functional groups allow for ring-opening reactions and alkylation processes, making it valuable in constructing complex molecules. It is particularly useful in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients where a chlorobutyl spacer with protected carbonyl functionality is needed. Additionally, it can act as a building block in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and specialty polymers. Due to the reactivity of the chloride and the acetal group, it enables selective transformations under controlled conditions.