Widely used as an intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, this compound serves as a sulfonylating agent to introduce the 4-chloro-2-fluorobenzenesulfonyl group into target molecules. It is particularly valuable in the development of herbicides and fungicides due to the electron-withdrawing nature of the chloro and fluoro substituents, which enhance the stability and bioactivity of the final products. In medicinal chemistry, it participates in the preparation of sulfonamide-based drug candidates, where the sulfonyl chloride group reacts readily with amines under mild conditions. Its selectivity and reactivity make it suitable for multi-step syntheses requiring functional group tolerance. Handling requires caution due to its moisture sensitivity and potential to release hydrogen chloride upon hydrolysis.