Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents and anti-inflammatory drugs. It serves as a building block for compounds requiring a substituted phenylacetic acid derivative with both amino and hydroxy functional groups available for further modification. Its structure allows for selective derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating biologically active molecules. Also employed in the preparation of specialty chemicals and research compounds where controlled substitution on an aromatic ring is needed.