Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of fluorinated drug compounds where the fluorine atom enhances metabolic stability and bioavailability. The presence of hydroxy, nitro, and carboxylic acid functional groups allows for diverse chemical modifications, making it valuable in constructing complex organic molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents. Also utilized in research settings for designing enzyme inhibitors due to its structural similarity to aromatic amino acid metabolites.