Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of biologically active compounds and pharmaceuticals. Its sulfinate group allows for sulfur-based transformations, making it valuable in the development of sulfone or sulfonamide derivatives. It also serves in research settings for studying reaction mechanisms involving radical or nucleophilic pathways. Due to its reactive nature, it is employed in controlled environments to build complex aromatic and partially saturated ring systems for drug discovery and material science applications.