Ethyl 2-bromopyrimidine-5-carboxylate is primarily used as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. It serves as a key building block for the preparation of various pyrimidine derivatives, which are important in the development of drugs and bioactive compounds. The bromine atom at the 2-position allows for further functionalization through cross-coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Buchwald-Hartwig couplings, enabling the creation of complex molecules. Additionally, the ester group at the 5-position can be hydrolyzed or transformed into other functional groups, enhancing its utility in designing target compounds. This chemical is also employed in the synthesis of nucleoside analogs and other heterocyclic compounds with potential therapeutic applications.