Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals due to its reactive chloro and ester functionalities. Its ability to act as an alkylating agent makes it valuable in forming carbon-oxygen and carbon-nitrogen bonds. It is also employed in the production of specialty solvents and plasticizers, where moderate polarity and good volatility are required. Additionally, it finds use in research laboratories for constructing complex molecules through selective functional group transformations.