Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical and fragrance industries. Its functional groups allow for easy modification, making it valuable in constructing complex molecules. Commonly employed in the development of flavor compounds due to structural similarity to vanillin derivatives, contributing to sweet, floral, and anise-like aroma profiles. Also utilized in the synthesis of bioactive molecules, including potential drug candidates targeting central nervous system disorders. Its solubility and stability properties make it suitable for use in liquid formulations and as a building block in combinatorial chemistry.