Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole and related drugs. It serves as a key building block due to its sulfur-containing functional group, which enables specific reactivity in heterocyclic chemistry. Also employed in agrochemical synthesis for developing certain pesticides and herbicides. Its structure allows for easy modification in multi-step organic reactions, making it valuable in research and development of bioactive molecules.