This compound is primarily utilized in pharmaceutical research and development as an intermediate in the synthesis of more complex molecules. Its structure, featuring both a carboxylic acid and a tert-butyl ester group, makes it a versatile building block for designing drugs, particularly those targeting neurological disorders. It is often employed in the preparation of compounds that interact with receptors or enzymes in the central nervous system. Additionally, its tert-butyl ester group provides stability during synthetic processes, allowing for selective deprotection when needed to activate the carboxylic acid functionality. This compound is also relevant in medicinal chemistry for the development of potential therapeutic agents due to its ability to modulate biological activity.