3-Bromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde is used as a reagent to synthesize aromatic vinyl sulfones, compounds that act as inhibitors of HIV-1. 3-Bromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde is used as a reagent to synthesize (-)-Tejedine, a secobisbenzylisoquinoline compound that naturally occurs in Barberry (a medicinal plant).