Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of biologically active compounds and natural products. It serves as a building block in the development of antioxidants and vitamin E analogs due to its structural similarity to chroman systems found in tocopherols. Its reactivity allows functionalization at multiple sites, making it valuable in pharmaceutical research for constructing heterocyclic frameworks. Additionally, it has been explored in the synthesis of fluorescent dyes and photoactive materials owing to its conjugated carbonyl groups.