Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Its structure allows for modification in drug design, especially in creating derivatives with improved bioavailability and target specificity. Commonly employed in organic synthesis for constructing complex molecules due to the presence of both carboxylic acid and ether functionalities, enabling coupling reactions and ester formations. Also utilized in the preparation of biologically active molecules where a phenylpropanoic acid scaffold is required.