Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents. Its aldehyde functional group allows for easy modification, enabling the formation of Schiff bases and other derivatives important in drug design. Also employed in the preparation of fluorescent probes and sensors due to its ability to form conjugated systems that exhibit detectable optical properties. Commonly utilized in organic synthesis for constructing nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds with biological activity.