Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antihypertensive agents. It plays a key role in constructing thiazole-based compounds that exhibit biological activity, including potential use in cardiovascular drugs. Its functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating derivatives with enhanced efficacy and selectivity. Also employed in research settings to develop new bioactive molecules and in the preparation of agrochemicals due to its reactive chloromethyl group.