Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a building block for introducing the propionic acid moiety with a reactive bromine site, enabling alkylation and substitution reactions. Commonly employed in the preparation of esters, amides, and heterocyclic compounds. Also utilized in the synthesis of dyes, fragrances, and functional polymers due to its reactivity with nucleophiles. Its derivatives find use in crop protection agents and active ingredients in some herbicides.