Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its aldehyde functionality allows for easy modification through reactions such as condensation, reduction, or nucleophilic addition, making it valuable in constructing complex molecules. Commonly employed in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds due to the reactive thiopyran ring, which can be further functionalized or opened to yield sulfur-containing derivatives. Also finds use in the preparation of specialty chemicals where a masked thioether and aldehyde group are required in tandem transformations.