Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of certain antihypertensive and cardiovascular drugs. It serves as a building block for more complex molecules due to its reactive chloromethyl group, which allows for easy functionalization in organic reactions. Commonly employed in the development of nicotinic receptor modulators and other biologically active compounds. Also utilized in agrochemical synthesis for creating herbicides and plant growth regulators. Its structure enables selective substitution, making it valuable in fine chemical manufacturing and medicinal chemistry research.