3,5-Dimethylphenyl pivaloate is a specialty chemical and organic synthesis intermediate primarily used in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The pivaloyl ester moiety provides steric bulk and stability to the phenolic hydroxyl group of 3,5-dimethylphenol, making it suitable as a protected intermediate in multi-step reactions. It is also applied in the manufacture of fine chemicals, such as fragrances and dyes, and in research to investigate reaction mechanisms and novel synthetic pathways.