Used primarily in organic synthesis as an intermediate for the preparation of more complex chemical compounds. It is particularly valuable in the development of pharmaceuticals, where it serves as a building block for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Additionally, it finds application in the production of specialty chemicals, including dyes and pigments, due to its reactive sulfonic acid group. Its ester functionality also makes it useful in the synthesis of polymers and coatings, where it can modify properties such as solubility and adhesion. In research, it is employed as a reagent in various chemical reactions to study reaction mechanisms and develop new synthetic pathways.