Used primarily in the synthesis of herbicides, this compound plays a crucial role in agricultural chemistry by helping to control weed growth in various crops. Its structure allows it to interfere with the growth processes of unwanted plants, making it effective in maintaining crop health and yield. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in the production of other chemical compounds used in research and industrial applications, particularly those requiring a phenoxypropionic acid backbone. Its utility in creating more complex molecules highlights its importance in both agricultural and chemical manufacturing sectors.