Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a building block for quaternary ammonium compounds, which have applications as surfactants, disinfectants, and phase-transfer catalysts. Also employed in the synthesis of choline derivatives and other biologically active molecules. Its reactivity as an alkylating agent makes it valuable in laboratory research for introducing dimethylaminoethyl groups into target molecules.