Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of sulfonamide-based pharmaceuticals, particularly antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. It serves as a key building block in the preparation of selective enzyme inhibitors due to the presence of both electron-withdrawing chloro and nitro groups, which enhance reactivity in nucleophilic substitution reactions. Its derivatives are explored in medicinal chemistry for their potential in drug discovery, especially in the development of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Additionally, it finds use in research settings for the preparation of fluorescent probes and labeling reagents, where the sulfonamide group aids in binding and stability.