(S)-2-m-Tolyl-propionic acid is primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as a key intermediate in the synthesis of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Its chiral structure makes it valuable for producing enantiomerically pure compounds, which are essential for developing medications with higher efficacy and fewer side effects. Additionally, it is employed in organic synthesis for constructing complex molecules, particularly in the preparation of fine chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Its applications also extend to research and development, where it serves as a building block for studying structure-activity relationships in drug design.