Methyl 3-bromo-5-chlorobenzoate is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure, featuring both bromo and chloro substituents, makes it a valuable building block for constructing more complex molecules. It is often employed in cross-coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Buchwald-Hartwig couplings, to create compounds with potential biological activity. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the development of fine chemicals and specialty materials, where its halogenated aromatic core is utilized to introduce specific functional groups or modify reactivity in target molecules.