Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Its reactive sulfonyl chloride group enables the formation of sulfonamides, which are key structural motifs in certain herbicides and fungicides. Also employed in the preparation of dyes and fluorescent whiteners due to its ability to participate in coupling reactions. The presence of the cyano and chloro groups allows for further functionalization, making it valuable in multi-step organic synthesis for building complex molecules.