Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in creating targeted therapies. It is also employed in the preparation of biologically active heterocyclic compounds, especially those with antiviral or anti-inflammatory properties. Due to the presence of reactive aldehyde and halogen groups, it serves as a versatile building block in medicinal chemistry for forming carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bonds through cross-coupling and condensation reactions.