Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules and natural product analogs. Its functional groups—aldehyde, hydroxyl, and bromo—allow for diverse chemical modifications, making it valuable in constructing complex organic frameworks. Commonly employed in cross-coupling reactions due to the bromine substituent, it facilitates the formation of carbon-carbon bonds in drug discovery processes. Also utilized in the preparation of flavor and fragrance compounds owing to its aromatic aldehyde structure.