Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of drugs targeting central nervous system disorders. Its aldehyde and carboxylic acid functional groups allow for versatile coupling reactions, making it valuable in creating complex molecules through Schiff base formation or peptide coupling. Also employed in the preparation of fluorescent probes and sensors due to its ability to undergo condensation reactions that yield detectable optical signals. Commonly utilized in medicinal chemistry research for building heterocyclic compounds and bioactive molecules.