Michler's ketone is primarily used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes and pigments, particularly in the production of triarylmethane dyes. These dyes are widely employed in the textile, paper, and leather industries for coloring purposes. Additionally, it serves as a photosensitizer in photopolymerization processes, where it aids in the initiation of polymerization reactions under light exposure. In research, Michler's ketone is utilized as a reagent in organic synthesis and as a model compound in studies related to photochemistry and electron transfer reactions. Its ability to act as a UV absorber also makes it valuable in certain applications requiring light stabilization.