Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry for constructing complex molecules. Its reactive chloromethyl group allows for easy alkylation or introduction of other functional groups, making it valuable in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Commonly employed in the development of anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds due to its aromatic ester structure, which can mimic biologically active motifs. Also utilized in the synthesis of agrochemicals and fine chemicals where a substituted benzene scaffold is required.