Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of sulfone-containing compounds with potential biological activity. It serves as a building block in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals due to its reactive sulfonyl and carbonyl functional groups. Its structure allows for versatile transformations, including cyclization and nucleophilic substitution reactions, making it valuable in the design of heterocyclic systems. Also employed in research settings to explore new synthetic pathways and reaction mechanisms involving sulfonyl-stabilized carbanions.