Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. It serves as a building block in the formation of heterocyclic compounds and is employed in the synthesis of local anesthetics such as benzocaine and procaine. Its bromine functionality allows for further transformations via cross-coupling reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry and the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Additionally, it finds use in research settings for studying reaction mechanisms involving ester and aryl halide functional groups.