Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. It participates in Friedel-Crafts acylation and other acylation reactions to introduce the 2,3-dimethylbenzoyl group into target molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of ketones, esters, and amides with specific aromatic substitution patterns. Its reactivity makes it valuable for constructing complex organic frameworks in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and functional materials. Due to its sensitivity to moisture, it is typically handled under anhydrous conditions.