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 forming key pyridine-based scaffolds in medicinal chemistry. Also employed in agrochemical synthesis for developing herbicides and plant growth regulators. The chloromethyl group enables easy coupling with other molecules, facilitating the construction of complex organic compounds in research and industrial settings.