Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, particularly in the production of antimicrobial agents and fungicides. It serves as a building block in organic reactions due to the presence of both aldehyde and hydroxyl functional groups, enabling derivatization into more complex molecules. Commonly employed in the development of active ingredients in crop protection products and in the preparation of certain anti-inflammatory compounds. Its chloro and methyl substituents enhance reactivity and selectivity in electrophilic substitution reactions, making it valuable in fine chemical manufacturing.