Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly naproxen. The bromomethyl group enables alkylation reactions, making it valuable for forming carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bonds in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its methoxynaphthalene core provides structural similarity to active drug scaffolds, enhancing its utility in medicinal chemistry. Also employed in the preparation of fluorescent dyes and probes due to the naphthalene moiety’s inherent photophysical properties.