Used primarily in organic synthesis, this compound serves as a key intermediate in the production of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It is particularly valuable in the synthesis of herbicides and fungicides, where its structure contributes to the effectiveness of the final product. Additionally, it is employed in the development of certain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), especially those requiring phenylacetic acid derivatives. Its reactivity makes it suitable for use in esterification and chlorination reactions, enabling the creation of complex molecules in research and industrial applications.