Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and related compounds. Its functional groups—bromomethyl, cyano, and ester—allow for sequential chemical modifications, enabling the construction of complex heterocyclic structures. Commonly employed in ring-closure reactions to form benzofuran or indole derivatives, which are prevalent scaffolds in medicinal chemistry. Also utilized in agrochemical research for building bioactive molecules with herbicidal or insecticidal activity. Its reactivity makes it valuable in cross-coupling reactions and nucleophilic substitutions during late-stage functionalization.