Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for central nervous system (CNS) drugs and antidepressants. Its functional groups allow for selective reactions in multi-step organic syntheses, making it valuable in constructing complex drug molecules. Commonly employed in cross-coupling reactions such as Suzuki or Heck reactions to form biaryl structures found in bioactive compounds. Also utilized in agrochemical research for developing new herbicides and plant growth regulators due to its halogenated aromatic structure. Its aldehyde group enables easy derivatization into imines, alcohols, or carboxylic acids for further application in medicinal chemistry.