Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this chemical plays a key role in the production of various sulfonate-based compounds. It is often employed in the development of surfactants, which are crucial in detergents, emulsifiers, and wetting agents. Additionally, it finds application in the preparation of specialty chemicals used in the textile and dyeing industries, where it aids in improving the solubility and stability of dyes. Its bromoethyl group makes it a valuable building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, enabling the introduction of sulfonate functionalities into complex molecules.