Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of beta-lactam antibiotics and other heterocyclic compounds. It plays an important role in organic synthesis due to its active methylene group, enabling condensation reactions to form carbon-carbon bonds. Commonly employed in the preparation of dyes, agrochemicals, and UV absorbers for plastics. Its reactivity makes it valuable in the manufacture of specialty esters and in the development of crop protection agents.