Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. It serves as a building block for the preparation of more complex molecules, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and photoinitiators. Its bromo and methoxy functional groups allow for selective cross-coupling reactions, making it valuable in the development of novel compounds. Commonly employed in the synthesis of α-hydroxy ketones and other carbonyl derivatives through nucleophilic substitution or metal-catalyzed reactions. Also finds use in photochemical applications due to its ability to generate radicals under UV light, useful in polymerization processes.