Ethyl 3-chloro-5-pyridinecarboxylate is primarily utilized in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly those targeting neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Its structure allows for further functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for developing drugs with enhanced efficacy and specificity.

In agrochemical research, this compound is employed to create pesticides and herbicides. Its pyridine core is essential for designing molecules that interact with specific biological targets in pests or weeds, improving crop protection and yield. Additionally, it is used in organic synthesis to construct complex molecules for academic and industrial research, contributing to advancements in material science and chemical engineering.