Used primarily as a reactive intermediate in organic synthesis, enabling the formation of esters, amides, and other carbonyl derivatives. Its high reactivity makes it suitable for pharmaceutical manufacturing, where it serves as a building block in the construction of complex molecules. Commonly employed in acylation reactions, it facilitates the introduction of dimethyl-substituted malonyl groups into target compounds. Due to its sensitivity to moisture, it is handled under anhydrous conditions in controlled environments. Also finds use in polymer chemistry for modifying backbone structures and in the development of specialty chemicals requiring branched alkyl functionalities.