Used primarily in organic synthesis, it serves as a key intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Its structure allows for further functionalization, making it valuable in creating compounds with specific biological activities. Additionally, it is employed in research settings for studying enzyme interactions and metabolic pathways due to its ability to mimic certain natural substrates. In material science, it can be utilized to modify surfaces or create polymers with tailored properties.