Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors and other biologically active compounds. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in drug discovery for introducing fluorinated pyridine motifs that enhance metabolic stability and binding affinity. Commonly employed in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the hydroxymethyl group can be further derivatized, such as through esterification or ether formation, to build complex molecules. Also utilized in agrochemical research for designing novel pesticides and herbicides due to the favorable electronic properties imparted by the fluorine atom.