Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of herbicides and plant growth regulators. Its structure allows for effective interaction with biological targets in plants, enhancing selectivity and activity. Commonly employed in the production of sulfonylurea herbicides, which inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS), an enzyme critical for amino acid synthesis in weeds. This results in controlled broad-spectrum weed management in crops. Also utilized in research for designing bioactive molecules due to the electron-withdrawing fluoro and sulfonyl groups that influence metabolic stability and binding affinity.