Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other bioactive molecules. Its structure allows for further functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for developing compounds with targeted biological activity. Commonly employed in research settings to build more complex molecules where a substituted phenylacetic acid derivative is required. Also utilized in the development of agrochemicals and specialty chemicals due to its reactive ester group and halogen-substituted aromatic ring.