5-(Methoxycarbonyl)-1,3-phenylene diacetate is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis for building more complex aromatic compounds. Its acetate groups serve as protecting groups, enabling selective functionalization of the methoxycarbonyl moiety, which is particularly valuable in the pharmaceutical industry for synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients and in agrochemicals for developing pesticides or herbicides. It also finds applications in research for novel polymers, dyes, and advanced coatings requiring precise chemical properties.