Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as fenoprofen and other arylpropionic acid derivatives. It serves as a building block in organic synthesis for creating esters, amides, and other compounds with potential biological activity. Additionally, it is employed in the development of chiral ligands and catalysts for asymmetric synthesis. Derivatives of diphenylacetic acid are investigated in medicinal chemistry for modulating enzyme activity and receptor binding.