Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of imidazole-based drugs. It plays an important role in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the bromomethyl group allows for further alkylation or coupling reactions. Commonly utilized in the production of antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer agents. Its reactivity makes it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex heterocyclic systems. Also employed in research settings for labeling and derivatization of biomolecules due to its selective reactivity with nucleophiles.