Used primarily in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of pyrimidine derivatives, which are essential in creating drugs such as antiviral and anticancer agents. It serves as a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of orotic acid, a precursor in nucleotide formation. Additionally, it finds application in biochemical research for studying enzyme mechanisms and metabolic pathways related to amino acid metabolism. Its role in the development of novel therapeutic compounds makes it valuable in medicinal chemistry.