Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals, particularly phenoxy herbicides for controlling broadleaf weeds in crops such as wheat, corn, and legumes. Its chiral structure enables derivatization for enantiomerically pure compounds, which is valuable in developing selective herbicides. The compound mimics plant hormones, inducing abnormal growth and death in target weeds. Also utilized in agricultural research for studying structure-activity relationships and potential plant growth regulators.