Ethyl 4-formylpicolinate is primarily used as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis. It plays a key role in the production of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug candidates. Its structure, featuring both an ester and an aldehyde group, makes it valuable for constructing complex molecules through reactions like condensation, cyclization, and functional group transformations. Additionally, it is utilized in the synthesis of agrochemicals and fine chemicals, where its reactivity enables the creation of compounds with specific biological or chemical properties. Researchers also employ it in the development of ligands and coordination complexes for catalysis and material science applications.