Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of vasodilator drugs like verapamil, which is employed to treat hypertension and angina. Its structure serves as a key building block in constructing complex organic molecules where the trimethoxyphenyl moiety is required. It is also utilized in the preparation of other biologically active compounds, including certain anticancer agents and calcium channel blockers. Due to its reactive aldehyde group, it readily participates in condensation and cyclization reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry and drug development processes.