Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of indole-based drugs which exhibit biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. It serves as a building block in the development of kinase inhibitors and serotonin receptor modulators. Its aldehyde and oxindole functionalities allow for diverse chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery research. Also employed in the preparation of fluorescent dyes and agrochemicals due to its reactive structure.