Sodium 2-(4-methoxyphenoxy)propanoate is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides. These herbicides are selective graminicides, effective for controlling grass weeds in crops such as cereals, corn, and soybeans. They function by inhibiting acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase), an enzyme essential for fatty acid synthesis in plants, leading to disruption of cell membrane formation and eventual death of susceptible weeds. The selective action targets grass species while sparing broadleaf crops. It is often incorporated into formulations with other active ingredients to improve performance and weed control spectrum. The compound is stable under normal storage conditions and highly water-soluble, facilitating its use in aqueous spray applications.