Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of local anesthetics, particularly in the production of bupivacaine and related amino amide-type anesthetic agents. Its structure allows for the formation of chiral centers important for the anesthetic’s potency and duration of action. The compound's aromatic and carboxylic functional groups facilitate coupling reactions in multi-step pharmaceutical synthesis. It is also employed in the development of enantiomerically pure anesthetics to reduce toxicity and improve safety profiles.