Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its aldehyde functional group allows for easy modification, enabling the formation of more complex heterocyclic compounds. It is also employed in the synthesis of porphyrin analogs and other pyrrole-based structures that show biological activity. Due to the presence of methyl and ethyl substituents, it offers steric and electronic properties beneficial in fine-tuning reaction pathways. Additionally, it finds use in the preparation of specialty dyes and sensors where pyrrolic frameworks are required for signal transduction or light absorption.