Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the preparation of flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds with biological activity. It serves as a building block in pharmaceuticals and natural product synthesis due to its reactive hydroxyl and ketone groups. Its structure mimics natural phenolic antioxidants, making it useful in developing compounds with potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or antioxidant properties. Also employed in research settings for studying enzyme inhibition and free radical scavenging mechanisms.