This chemical is primarily used in organic synthesis as a key intermediate for the production of various pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. It serves as a building block in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly in the development of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Additionally, it is utilized in the preparation of complex organic molecules for research purposes, including the study of biochemical pathways and drug discovery. Its aldehyde functional group makes it a versatile reagent for further chemical modifications, such as condensation reactions, to create more complex structures.