Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. The compound serves as a protected form of 4-aminophenylacetic acid, allowing selective reactivity in multi-step reactions. Its tert-butyl ester group is easily removed under mild acidic conditions, making it valuable in peptide and prodrug synthesis. Also employed in the preparation of dyes and functionalized polymers due to the reactivity of the aromatic amine and ester functionalities.