Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a benzylating agent to introduce the 3-methylbenzyl group into target molecules. Commonly employed in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where a substituted benzyl moiety enhances biological activity. Also utilized in the development of fragrances and functionalized materials due to its reactivity in nucleophilic substitution reactions. Its structure allows for further functionalization on the aromatic ring, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.