Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly profen derivatives. Its bromomethyl group allows for easy alkylation or coupling reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building more complex drug molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of prodrugs and in structure-activity relationship studies to modify pharmacokinetic properties. Also utilized in the development of photoaffinity labels due to the reactivity of the bromide moiety under UV light, enabling biochemical target identification.