Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a building block for introducing the 4-chlorophenyl group into more complex molecules. Commonly employed in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the malonate ester functionality allows for further chemical modifications such as hydrolysis, decarboxylation, or alkylation. Also utilized in the preparation of specialty chemicals requiring substituted phenyl derivatives. Its reactivity makes it valuable in constructing carbon-carbon bonds through condensation and nucleophilic substitution reactions.