Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antihypertensive and antiviral agents. It serves as a building block for imidazole-based compounds, which are important in drug design due to their biological activity and ability to mimic natural molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of histamine H2 receptor antagonists and other nitrogen-rich heterocyclic systems. Also utilized in agrochemicals for the development of fungicides and plant growth regulators. Its amino and ester functional groups allow for easy modification, making it valuable in combinatorial chemistry and medicinal research.