Used primarily in the pharmaceutical industry as an intermediate in the synthesis of sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic. It plays a crucial role in the production of medications for treating bacterial infections, particularly in combination with trimethoprim for urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and pneumocystis pneumonia. Its acetylated form enhances stability and facilitates controlled release in drug formulations. Additionally, it is utilized in research to study drug metabolism and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.