Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of agricultural and pharmaceutical active ingredients, particularly in the production of sulfonylurea herbicides. Its reactive sulfonyl chloride group enables easy coupling with amines to form sulfonamides, which are key structural motifs in various bioactive compounds. It is also employed in the development of dyes and fluorescent probes due to its aromatic and electron-withdrawing properties. Commonly utilized in research settings for constructing heterocyclic compounds with potential biological activity.