Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It serves as a chiral building block in the production of active enantiomers of profen-class drugs. Also employed in the development of agrochemicals and fragrances due to its aromatic and carboxylic functional groups. Its racemic nature allows for cost-effective synthesis, with subsequent resolution to obtain the desired enantiomer for active ingredients.