Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Its structural features allow for further functionalization in multi-step organic reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry research. The presence of halogen atoms facilitates cross-coupling reactions, enabling the construction of complex stilbene derivatives with potential biological activity. It is also employed in the study of anticancer agents due to the known bioactivity of stilbene scaffolds.