Used primarily as a key intermediate in the synthesis of tricyclic antidepressants, particularly in the production of certain dibenzothiazepine derivatives. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in pharmaceutical research for developing compounds with central nervous system activity. It is also employed in the preparation of bioactive molecules for studying serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Due to its reactive chloro and sulfone groups, it serves as a building block in heterocyclic chemistry for constructing complex polycyclic systems used in medicinal chemistry.