Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and biologically active compounds, particularly in the development of alkaloid-based drugs. Serves as an intermediate in the preparation of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic systems with potential antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. Also employed in coordination chemistry as a ligand precursor for metal-catalyzed reactions. Its aldehyde functional group allows for easy modification through condensation or reduction, enabling diverse derivatization for medicinal chemistry research.