Used as a flavoring agent in the food industry due to its pleasant fruity or floral notes, commonly found in fruit and nut flavors. Serves as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the protection of aldehydes during multi-step reactions. Employed in the fragrance industry for creating perfumes and scented products because of its stability and ability to release benzaldehyde slowly. Also utilized in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals where controlled reactivity is required.