Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. It serves as a building block in organic synthesis due to its reactive carbonyl and aromatic functionalities, enabling derivatization for drug discovery. Also employed in the preparation of indene-based compounds with potential biological activity, including kinase inhibitors and hormone modulators. Its chloro-substituted structure allows for further functionalization via cross-coupling reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry research.