Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its polar nature and stability make it suitable as a solvent or reagent in oxidation reactions and chiral synthesis. The sulfoxide group can act as a directing group for selective reactions, such as C-C bond formation in complex molecules. Also finds use in fragrance formulations due to its ability to stabilize sulfur-containing aroma compounds, and in materials chemistry research requiring polar functional groups.