Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a building block for esters and heterocyclic compounds due to its reactive chloro and ester functional groups. Commonly employed in the preparation of beta-alanine derivatives and plant growth regulators. Also utilized in the synthesis of specialty polymers and as a reagent in cross-coupling reactions. Its versatility makes it valuable in research laboratories and industrial-scale chemical manufacturing.