Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It serves as a building block for active pharmaceutical ingredients due to its reactive functional groups, which allow for easy modification and incorporation into larger molecules. Also employed in the development of specialty polymers and agrochemicals where carboxylic acid and cyclic anhydride functionalities are required. Its structure enables efficient coupling reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry research and development.