Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. It plays a key role in the preparation of certain antihistamines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to its ability to form carbon-carbon bonds in organic reactions. Its reactivity makes it valuable in Friedel-Crafts acylation and other electrophilic aromatic substitution processes. Also utilized in the development of photoinitiators for polymer chemistry, where it helps initiate curing processes under UV light. Its derivatives are explored in agrochemicals for crop protection agents.