Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of antituberculosis agents like isoniazid derivatives. It also serves as a ligand or building block in coordination chemistry and catalysis. Its aldehyde and hydroxyl functional groups allow for easy modification, making it valuable in the development of heterocyclic compounds for medicinal and agrochemical applications. Additionally, it has been explored in the design of enzyme inhibitors and fluorescent probes due to its ability to chelate metal ions and participate in hydrogen bonding.