Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of nicotinic acid derivatives with potential metabolic and cardiovascular effects. Commonly employed in research settings to design compounds targeting enzyme inhibition, especially in pathways related to NAD metabolism. Its hydroxyl and ester functionalities allow for easy modification, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs and optimizing drug candidates. Also utilized in the preparation of heterocyclic systems for bioactive molecule discovery.