Benzoin (2-hydroxy-1,2-diphenylethanone) is an organic compound widely used as a synthetic intermediate in the pharmaceutical industry for the preparation of various drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. It plays a crucial role in organic synthesis, particularly in the benzoin condensation reaction, which facilitates the formation of alpha-hydroxy ketones. In polymer chemistry, benzoin serves as a photoinitiator for UV-curable systems, enabling the production of resins, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks. It is also utilized in the fragrance and flavor sectors to impart subtle sweet, balsamic, and vanilla-like notes in perfumes and food products. Additionally, benzoin finds applications in dental materials and as a reagent in analytical chemistry.