Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of fluorescent dyes and photoactive compounds. Its bromine functionality allows for coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Heck reactions, enabling the construction of complex xanthone derivatives with applications in materials science and pharmaceuticals. Also employed in the development of photoinitiators for polymerization processes due to its ability to generate radicals under light exposure. Additionally, derivatives of this compound are explored for their potential in bioimaging and as sensors due to their fluorescence properties.