Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Its reactive sulfonyl chloride and nitro groups allow for sequential functionalization, making it valuable in constructing complex organic molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of sulfonamides through reaction with amines, which are key motifs in many bioactive compounds. Also utilized in the development of high-performance pigments and in some cases as a reagent in analytical chemistry for detecting specific functional groups.