Used primarily as a reactive intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals due to its activated alkene functionality. The methyl ester and sulfonyl groups make it a suitable Michael acceptor in conjugate addition reactions, enabling the formation of carbon-carbon bonds in complex molecule assembly. It is also employed in polymer chemistry to introduce sulfone-containing moieties into specialty polymers, enhancing thermal stability and modifying solubility. Its reactivity allows for use in cross-coupling reactions and as a building block in the synthesis of functionalized esters and sulfone derivatives for research and development in medicinal chemistry.