Used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals and functional materials. Serves as a building block in the preparation of indole-based compounds with potential biological activity. Commonly employed in the development of fluorescent dyes and optoelectronic materials due to its conjugated structure. Also utilized in medicinal chemistry for synthesizing analogs tested for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Its aldehyde group allows for easy functionalization via condensation or reduction reactions, making it versatile in multi-step synthesis.