The invention discloses an intermediate used for synthesizing rilpivirine, a preparation method and an application of the intermediate in rilpivirine synthesis. The intermediate has a chemical structure general formula as shown in the description, wherein X is a halogen. The preparation of the intermediate comprises step 3, or steps 2 and 3, or steps 1, 2 and 3 as shown in a synthesis route in the description, wherein both X1 and X2 are halogens, and X1 is the same as or different from X2; Pg represents an amino protective group. when the intermediate of the invention is used for rilpivirine synthesis, a rilpivirine end product with an HPLC purity of more than 99% can be obtained only by recrystallization with acetonitrile; the mole yield of each step is up to more than 85%; in addition, the preparation method of the intermediate is simple, mild in reaction conditions, cheap and easily available in used raw materials, has a total mole yield of up to more than 85%, and the HPLC purity is up to more than 98.5%; the preparation method of the invention can meet requirements for large-scale industrial production of rilpivirine, and has practical value.