Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules that require substituted benzyl scaffolds. Its halogen functionality allows for further transformations via cross-coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Heck reactions, enabling the construction of complex aromatic systems. The ethoxybenzyl group contributes to lipophilicity and can influence binding affinity in drug design. It is also employed in research settings to prepare receptor ligands and enzyme inhibitors.