Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical industry for constructing complex molecules. Its ketone functionality allows it to participate in reactions such as reductions, Grignard additions, and condensations, making it valuable in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is also employed in the synthesis of fragrances and flavoring agents due to its ability to form cyclic and substituted derivatives with aromatic properties. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the preparation of cyclopentyl-containing compounds, which are common in medicinal chemistry for optimizing metabolic stability and lipophilicity in drug candidates.