Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of anxiolytic and sedative agents. The chloromethyl group at the 2-position enables facile nucleophilic substitution, allowing easy functionalization and making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating derivatives with enhanced biological activity. Commonly employed in the preparation of imidazopyridine-based drugs that target GABA receptors. Also utilized in research settings for designing novel compounds with potential neuropharmacological effects.