Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various psychoactive substances, particularly substituted phenethylamines and amphetamines, such as 2C-B and related research chemicals. It serves as a building block in organic chemistry for creating compounds with hallucinogenic or stimulant properties, primarily in clandestine or research settings. Also utilized in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals where aromatic aldehyde functionality is required. Its reactivity allows for easy modification through reductive amination, oxidation, or nucleophilic addition, making it valuable in the preparation of more complex molecules.