Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds and pharmaceuticals. Its ester groups and active methylene moiety make it suitable for condensation reactions, enabling the construction of complex ring systems. Commonly employed in the development of bioactive molecules and as a building block in medicinal chemistry for synthesizing analogs with potential therapeutic activity. Also finds use in the synthesis of specialty polymers and functional materials due to its bifunctional reactivity.