Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of sulfonate esters and functionalized polymers. It serves in the development of pharmaceuticals where the methanesulfonyl group acts as a leaving group to facilitate nucleophilic substitution reactions. Also employed in modifying biomolecules and in the synthesis of surfactants and specialty chemicals due to its bifunctional reactivity. Its chloride end allows for alkylation, while the sulfonyl group enhances solubility and stability in certain reaction conditions.