Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a building block in the formation of heterocyclic compounds due to the reactivity of both the aldehyde and ketone functional groups. Commonly employed in condensation reactions, such as aldol and Knoevenagel reactions, to construct carbon-carbon bonds. Also utilized in the synthesis of dyes, fragrances, and functional materials where aromatic aldehydes with electron-withdrawing substituents are required. Its structure allows for selective modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for developing bioactive molecules.