Used primarily in organic synthesis, it serves as an acylating agent to introduce the methoxyacetyl group into various compounds. It is valuable in the production of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where specific functional groups are required. Additionally, it is employed in the manufacture of agrochemicals, contributing to the development of herbicides and pesticides. Its reactivity with amines and alcohols makes it useful in creating esters and amides, which are essential intermediates in numerous chemical processes. In research, it is utilized for modifying peptides and other biomolecules to study their structure and function.