Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It serves as a building block for introducing aromatic ketone functionality in drug molecules. Also employed in the development of agrochemicals and fine chemicals due to its reactive carbonyl group and substituted aromatic ring. Its chloro and ethyl substituents allow for further functionalization through cross-coupling reactions or nucleophilic substitution, making it valuable in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry research.