Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. It serves as a building block for ester-based local anesthetics, such as benzocaine analogs, contributing to the development of compounds with numbing properties. Its amino and ester functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in research settings for designing new bioactive molecules. Additionally, the compound itself is utilized in some cosmetic formulations as a UVB absorber in sunscreens, providing effective protection against ultraviolet radiation due to its structural properties similar to other p-aminobenzoate esters.