Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves in the preparation of sulfonamide-based pharmaceuticals. Its chlorosulfonyl group readily reacts with amines, enabling the formation of sulfonate esters and sulfonamides, which are key motifs in drug development. It is also employed in the synthesis of agrochemicals and functional polymers due to its ability to introduce sulfonyl groups into larger molecules. The ester functionality allows for further derivatization, such as hydrolysis or reduction, making it a versatile building block in multi-step synthetic routes.