Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole and related drugs. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in constructing active pharmaceutical ingredients that target gastric acid secretion. Commonly employed in multi-step organic syntheses where the chloro and hydroxymethyl groups serve as reactive sites for further modification. Also utilized in the development of agrochemicals due to its pyridine backbone, which is prevalent in bioactive molecules.