Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. It serves as a versatile building block for introducing acylated aryl groups in the preparation of complex aromatic compounds. Commonly employed in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functional materials due to its reactivity as a triflate ester. Its structure allows for selective transformations, making it valuable in constructing biaryl systems and heterocycles through Suzuki or Heck reactions. Also utilized in the development of fluorescent dyes and photoactive compounds owing to the aromatic ketone moiety.