Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nicotinamide-based drugs and kinase inhibitors. It plays an important role in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) due to its reactivity in condensation and cyclization reactions. Commonly employed in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds that are central to various medicinal agents, including those with antiviral and anticancer properties. Its aldehyde functionality allows for easy derivatization, making it valuable in drug discovery and process chemistry.