Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and natural products, particularly in the production of vasodilator drugs like papaverine. It also serves in the preparation of fragrances and flavoring agents due to its aromatic aldehyde structure. Its acetoxy-protected phenolic groups make it valuable in multi-step organic syntheses where selective deprotection and functionalization are required. Additionally, it finds use in research settings for developing novel bioactive compounds and in the study of reaction mechanisms involving aldehydes and aromatic systems.