Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of local anesthetics like lidocaine and other amide-type anesthetics. It serves as a building block in organic synthesis where the formamido and carboxylic acid functional groups allow for further chemical modifications. Its structure is valuable in creating compounds with specific biological activity, especially in drug development for pain management. Also employed in the preparation of dyes and UV absorbers due to its aromatic and polar characteristics.