Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, particularly in the development of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Its acrylate-like structure allows it to participate in polymerization reactions, making it useful in specialty polymers and coatings. Also employed in the preparation of photoresists and UV-curable materials due to its reactivity under radical initiation. Commonly utilized in organic synthesis for introducing phenolic acetic acid derivatives with polymerizable side chains.