Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs like pregabalin and gabapentin, which are used to treat neuropathic pain and epilepsy. It also serves in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds and fine chemicals due to its reactive ester and alkyl chloride functionalities. Commonly employed in organic synthesis for ring-forming reactions and as a building block in the development of agrochemicals and specialty polymers.