Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Its reactive chloromethyl group allows for easy attachment to other molecules, making it valuable in building complex structures. Commonly employed in the preparation of thiophene-based derivatives that exhibit biological activity, including potential drug candidates. Also utilized in the development of functional materials such as conductive polymers and organic semiconductors due to the electron-rich nature of the thiophene ring. Its versatility in cross-coupling reactions and nucleophilic substitutions makes it a key building block in medicinal chemistry research.