Used primarily in the synthesis of corticosteroid intermediates, this compound serves as a key precursor in the production of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive steroid medications. Its structure allows for selective chemical modifications, making it valuable in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It is especially useful in introducing specific functional groups needed to enhance the biological activity of final steroid products. Due to the presence of reactive sites like the methylene and ketone groups, it enables efficient derivatization in multi-step synthetic routes. Its application is largely confined to research and industrial settings for steroid development rather than direct therapeutic use.