Used primarily as a derivatizing agent in analytical chemistry to enhance detection of compounds containing hydroxyl or amino groups. It reacts readily with alcohols, phenols, and amines to form sulfonate esters or sulfonamides, which are more stable and easier to analyze by techniques such as HPLC, GC, or mass spectrometry. Commonly applied in the modification of peptides and steroids to improve their chromophoric or fluorogenic properties for sensitive detection. Also employed in the synthesis of dyes and functional materials due to its electron-donating dimethylamino group and reactive sulfonyl chloride functionality.