Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of herbicides and insecticides due to its reactive aldehyde group and electron-withdrawing substituents. Its structure allows for facile functionalization, making it valuable in building complex heterocyclic systems. Commonly employed in condensation reactions to form Schiff bases, which can be further modified into bioactive molecules. Also utilized in the preparation of nicotinic receptor ligands and other neuroactive compounds.