Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly profen-class medications. It serves as a building block for introducing the 4-chlorophenylpropanoic acid moiety, which is essential for biological activity in certain analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds. Commonly employed in pharmaceutical research and development for optimizing drug candidates targeting cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. Also utilized in organic synthesis to prepare chiral derivatives through ester hydrolysis, reduction, or coupling reactions.