Used in biochemical research as a precursor in the synthesis of sulfur-containing metabolites. It serves as a model compound for studying sulfonium ion reactivity in enzymatic systems. Also applied in the development of novel ionic liquids due to its stable sulfonium cation and functional carboxylic acid group, which can be tailored for specific solubility and reactivity properties. Shows potential in pharmaceutical intermediates where sulfonium moieties are needed for targeted drug design.