Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure allows for further functionalization, making it valuable in creating active ingredients in herbicides and anti-inflammatory drugs. Commonly employed in organic synthesis due to the reactivity of the bromo and carboxylic acid groups, facilitating coupling reactions and ether formation. Also utilized in the development of chiral compounds, where the stereochemistry at the propanoic acid center plays a role in biological activity.