Used primarily as a reagent in organic synthesis for the preparation of 1-chloroethyl carbonates from alcohols and 1-chloroethyl carbamates from amines. It serves as an effective protecting group for alcohols, which can be removed under mild reductive conditions. Commonly employed in the pharmaceutical industry for intermediate synthesis, especially in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and prodrugs. Also utilized in the production of agrochemicals and fine chemicals due to its ability to introduce functional groups with controlled reactivity. Requires careful handling due to high reactivity, corrosiveness, and lachrymatory effects.