Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of antihypertensive drugs. It serves as a building block in the development of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, which are important for treating high blood pressure and heart-related conditions. Its aldehyde and hydroxyl functional groups allow for selective chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex heterocyclic systems. Also employed in research settings for designing new bioactive molecules due to its reactive scaffold.