Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors and other bioactive molecules. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex heterocyclic systems. The tert-butyl ester acts as a protecting group for the carboxylic acid, providing stability during multi-step syntheses and enabling easy deprotection in the final stages. Commonly employed in research settings to prepare analogs for drug discovery programs, especially in oncology and inflammatory disease targets. Also utilized in the preparation of prodrugs due to the presence of the hydroxymethyl group, which can be modified for improved solubility or metabolic stability.