Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly in the production of profen-class pharmaceuticals. It serves as a chiral building block in asymmetric synthesis, enabling the development of enantiomerically pure drugs. Also employed in the preparation of agrochemicals and specialty polymers due to its stable aromatic and carboxylic structure. Its derivatives are explored in medicinal chemistry for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.