Used primarily as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry for constructing heterocyclic compounds. It serves as a building block in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic agents. Its alpha-keto ester functionality allows for versatile reactivity, such as in condensation reactions and nucleophilic additions. Also employed in the synthesis of flavors and fragrances due to its ability to form esters and other aroma-active molecules. Commonly used in research settings for developing novel synthetic pathways and chiral molecules through asymmetric synthesis.