Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of agricultural chemicals, particularly herbicides and fungicides. Its structure enables effective modulation of plant growth processes and inhibition of fungal development. Commonly employed in the development of sulfonylurea-type herbicides, which act by inhibiting acetolactate synthase (ALS), an enzyme critical for branched-chain amino acid synthesis in plants. Due to its reactivity, it is also utilized in medicinal chemistry for constructing biologically active molecules, especially kinase inhibitors in pharmaceutical research. Its methylsulfonyl group enhances solubility and binding affinity, making it valuable in designing compounds with improved efficacy and selectivity.