Used primarily as a reducing agent in organic synthesis, it facilitates the reduction of various functional groups, including nitro compounds and azo dyes. It is also employed in the preparation of sulfones and sulfoxides through oxidation reactions. In polymer chemistry, it acts as a chain transfer agent to control molecular weight during polymerization processes. Additionally, it finds application in the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates. Its role in photochemical reactions, particularly in photoinitiation systems, is noteworthy for producing radicals under UV light. It is also utilized in the production of dyes, pigments, and agrochemicals.