Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals targeting inflammatory diseases and certain cancers. Its structure supports derivatization for use in heterocyclic chemistry, enabling the creation of novel thiazole-based drug candidates. Also employed in research settings to design enzyme inhibitors due to its ability to interact with specific protein targets. Its aldehyde functional group allows for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex molecules.