Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves in the preparation of functionalized aromatic derivatives for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its reactive benzyl chloride group allows for easy substitution, enabling the attachment of various moieties in multi-step syntheses. It is also employed in the development of specialty polymers and ligands for catalysis due to the steric and electronic influence of the pentamethyl-substituted ring. Additionally, it finds use in research settings for studying steric effects on reaction kinetics and selectivity.