Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of high-performance polymers and resins, particularly in the production of specialty polyesters and polyamides. Its bulky tert-butyl group enhances thermal stability and improves solubility characteristics of the resulting polymers, making them suitable for advanced coating applications and engineering plastics. Also employed in the development of photoactive compounds and as a building block in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals due to its rigid aromatic structure and functional carboxylic acid groups.