Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the preparation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Its reactive bromomethyl group allows for alkylation reactions, enabling the attachment of various functional groups in drug molecules. Commonly employed in the development of substituted phenylacetic acid derivatives, which are structural components in several bioactive compounds. Also utilized in organic synthesis for constructing complex molecules where a benzyl bromide functionality is needed for further transformation.