Used primarily as a key intermediate in the synthesis of ligands for transition metal catalysts, especially in forming functionalized bipyridine complexes. These complexes are widely applied in catalytic reactions such as cross-coupling, hydrogenation, and C–H activation in pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing. Also employed in the preparation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers due to its ability to bridge metal centers. Its bromomethyl groups allow for easy alkylation or further derivatization, making it valuable in materials science for constructing supramolecular architectures and in the development of luminescent or redox-active compounds.