This compound is primarily used in research and development, particularly in the field of organic synthesis and pharmaceuticals. It serves as a valuable intermediate in the preparation of deuterated compounds, which are essential for studying metabolic pathways and drug mechanisms using techniques like mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Its deuterium-labeled acetyl group makes it useful in tracing and understanding biochemical processes with higher precision. Additionally, it can be employed in the synthesis of complex molecules for potential therapeutic applications, where isotopic labeling is required for stability or tracking purposes.