Used primarily in organic synthesis, this compound serves as a building block for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals due to its reactive isocyanate group. It is employed in the preparation of ureas and urethanes by reacting with amines or alcohols, respectively. The tert-butyl group provides steric bulk, which can influence selectivity in reactions, making it useful in controlled synthesis pathways. It also finds use in the development of specialty polymers and as an intermediate in the production of dyes and functional materials.