This compound serves as a critical intermediate in the pharmaceutical synthesis of fluticasone propionate and related corticosteroids. It is used to produce active ingredients for topical creams, inhalers, and nasal sprays treating inflammatory conditions including eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergic rhinitis. The carbothioic acid moiety at the 17β position enables selective esterification to form the active S-fluoromethyl carbothioate, enhancing lipophilicity, skin/lung penetration, and localized anti-inflammatory effects while minimizing systemic absorption. Fluorine substitutions at 6α and 9α, along with the 16α-methyl group, contribute to high glucocorticoid receptor binding affinity and rapid metabolic inactivation, reducing side effects in the final formulations.