Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of sulfonylurea herbicides, particularly in the production of certain rice field herbicides. Its structure allows for the introduction of sulfamoyl and ester functionalities, which are key in enhancing herbicidal activity and selectivity. Commonly employed in agrochemical research and development to create compounds that inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS), an enzyme critical in branched-chain amino acid synthesis in plants. This inhibition leads to cessation of plant growth, making it effective against a broad spectrum of weeds. Also utilized in the preparation of analogs for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies in crop protection chemistry.