Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its functional groups allow for versatile reactivity, including esterification, decarboxylation, and conjugate addition reactions. Commonly employed in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and as a building block in the development of bioactive molecules. Its α,β-unsaturated ester structure makes it suitable for Michael addition reactions, enabling carbon-carbon bond formation in complex molecule assembly.