Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly in the production of ibuprofen. It serves as a key building block due to its structural similarity to the active pharmaceutical ingredient, enabling efficient chemical transformations in drug manufacturing. Also employed in the development of specialty polymers and organic materials where aromatic carboxylic acid functionality is required. Its derivatization supports research in medicinal chemistry and process optimization for scalable synthesis routes.