Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its ester group and aromatic ring make it valuable in constructing complex molecules through reactions like electrophilic substitution or cross-coupling. Commonly employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the tert-butyl ester acts as a protecting group for carboxylic acid functionalities. Also utilized in the synthesis of polymers and specialty chemicals due to its stability under various reaction conditions. Its methyl and ester groups allow for selective transformations, enabling controlled derivatization in multi-step synthetic routes.