Used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly as an intermediate in the production of drugs targeting inflammation and pain. It plays a role in the development of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to its structural properties. Additionally, it is utilized in organic chemistry research for the creation of novel heterocyclic compounds, which are essential in medicinal chemistry for drug discovery. Its carboxylic acid groups make it a versatile building block for further chemical modifications.