Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of antidiabetic drugs. It plays a role in inhibiting specific enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, making it valuable in creating medications for type 2 diabetes. Its sulfonyl and carboxylic acid functional groups allow for strong binding interactions with biological targets, enhancing drug efficacy. Additionally, it is employed in medicinal chemistry research to build more complex molecules with improved pharmacokinetic properties.