Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound is valuable for introducing the 1-methylcyclohexanecarbonyl group into more complex molecules. It readily reacts with nucleophiles such as amines and alcohols, making it useful in the preparation of amides and esters for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty polymers. The quaternary carbon at the 1-position of the cyclohexane ring provides unique steric and electronic effects that can influence reactivity and selectivity in multi-step syntheses. Due to its reactivity, it is often handled under anhydrous conditions and used in controlled environments for constructing derivatives of cyclic carboxylic acids.