Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of herbicides, particularly in the production of aryloxyphenoxypropionate class herbicides which are effective against grass weeds in broadleaf crops. It plays a key role in agricultural chemistry for developing selective post-emergence herbicides. Also utilized in the preparation of chiral compounds through esterification or amidation processes, supporting the creation of optically active pesticides. Its structure allows for easy modification, making it valuable in agrochemical research and development.