This phosphonium salt serves as a key intermediate and precursor in organic synthesis, particularly in the Wittig reaction. It is deprotonated to generate a phosphonium ylide, which reacts with carbonyl compounds (aldehydes or ketones) to form α,β-unsaturated esters with controlled stereochemistry. This methodology is essential for constructing carbon-carbon double bonds in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, natural products, and other fine chemicals. Additionally, due to its quaternary phosphonium structure, it can function as a phase-transfer catalyst in biphasic reactions, enhancing the solubility and reactivity of ionic species in organic media, though its primary role is in olefination processes.