Acetone semicarbazone is primarily used in organic synthesis as a reagent for the identification and characterization of carbonyl compounds. It forms stable derivatives with aldehydes and ketones, which are useful in analytical chemistry for determining the presence of these functional groups. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in the preparation of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its role in synthesizing heterocyclic compounds is also notable, particularly in the development of compounds with potential biological activity. In research, it is employed to study reaction mechanisms and to isolate specific carbonyl-containing compounds from complex mixtures.