Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors and other bioactive molecules. Its structure allows for easy functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating compounds with potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, or anticancer activity. Also employed in the preparation of chelating agents due to the presence of both carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups, which can coordinate with metal ions. Widely utilized in research settings for designing new drug candidates and probing biological pathways.