Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its ethynyl group enables coupling reactions such as Sonogashira, allowing the construction of complex aromatic and conjugated systems. The methylsulfonyl moiety acts as a strong electron-withdrawing group, enhancing reactivity in nucleophilic aromatic substitution and directing regioselectivity in ring transformations. It is also employed in the development of functional materials, including liquid crystals and organic semiconductors, due to its rigid structure and polarity.