Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. It serves as a building block in organic reactions where the aldehyde group enables condensation or reduction to form more complex molecules. Its brominated aromatic structure allows for cross-coupling reactions, making it valuable in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through palladium-catalyzed reactions. Also employed in the preparation of fragrances and specialty chemicals due to its reactive functional groups.