Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system agents. Its aldehyde functional group allows for easy derivatization, enabling the formation of imines, alcohols, or carboxylic acid derivatives used in drug design. Commonly employed in condensation reactions to build complex heterocyclic structures with biological activity. Also utilized in the preparation of agrochemicals and bioactive molecules due to its stable dioxane ring and reactive chloro-substituent, which facilitates further cross-coupling reactions.