Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its ester and carbonyl functionalities allow for further chemical modifications, such as hydrolysis, reduction, or coupling reactions, making it valuable in constructing complex molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of bioactive compounds where the benzoate moiety serves as a structural scaffold. Also utilized in research settings for designing analogs in medicinal chemistry due to its chiral center and derivatization potential.