Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of thiamine (vitamin B1) and its derivatives. It plays an important role in pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries, particularly in the production of water-soluble vitamins and coenzymes. Its reactive bromo-ketone group enables efficient coupling reactions in heterocyclic chemistry, making it valuable for constructing complex thiazole-containing molecules. Also utilized in the development of certain antimicrobial agents and in research related to enzyme cofactor analogs.