Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a building block for the preparation of various nitrogen-containing compounds, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that incorporate secondary or further derivatized amine functionalities. As the hydrochloride salt of a secondary amine (N-methylethanamine), it provides a stable, water-soluble source of the amine group, suitable for use in aqueous or polar reaction environments. Also employed in the synthesis of surfactants and catalysts due to its amine characteristics.