Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as COX-2 inhibitors for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial agents. Its structure allows for effective coupling in heterocyclic compound formation, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry. Also employed in the preparation of functional materials where sulfone and carboxylic acid groups contribute to solubility and binding characteristics.