Pinacolone is primarily utilized as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly for the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, pesticides, and steroid hormones. It serves as a building block in the manufacture of vitamin E and pyrethroid insecticides. Its ketone functional group enables participation in reactions such as aldol condensations, Grignard additions, and reductions, making it valuable in laboratory research and industrial-scale processes. Additionally, it is used in the fragrance and flavor industry due to its characteristic apple-like odor. While it possesses solvency properties suitable for dissolving resins, oils, and waxes, its primary applications are in synthetic chemistry rather than as a general solvent in paints, coatings, or adhesives.