Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its carboxylic acid functionality allows for easy derivatization, such as esterification or amidation, making it valuable in constructing more complex molecules. Commonly employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients where a substituted aromatic scaffold with a ketone-containing side chain is required. Also utilized in the synthesis of functionalized polymers and specialty materials due to its bifunctional nature.