Methyl 3-Iodo-4-methylbenzoate is used as a reagent in the synthesis of [(pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridmidinyl)ethynyl]benzamides as selective discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) inhibitors. Also used as a reagent in the preparation of orally bioavailable GZD824 targeting Breakpoint Cluster Region-Abelson (Bcr-Abl) kinase and overcoming antitumor drug resistance.