Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a building block for the synthesis of beta-amino acids and other biologically active molecules. Its functional groups (bromine, hydroxyl, and carboxylic acid) allow for selective reactions, such as nucleophilic substitution at the bromine position, ester or amide formation from the carboxylic acid, and transformations involving the hydroxyl group, enabling the introduction of various substituents in complex molecule construction. Also employed in the development of chiral compounds due to its potential for stereoselective transformations.