This chemical is primarily utilized in the synthesis of prodrugs, particularly in the development of targeted drug delivery systems. Its structure allows it to act as a protective group for amines, enabling controlled release of active pharmaceutical ingredients in specific physiological conditions. It is often employed in the design of anticancer agents, where it helps improve the selectivity and efficacy of the drugs by releasing the active compound in tumor tissues. Additionally, it finds application in peptide chemistry for the protection of amino groups during complex synthetic processes. Its chloroethyl ester group is key to its role as a prodrug linker, facilitating the release of therapeutic agents under specific enzymatic or chemical conditions.