Used primarily as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, it plays a significant role in the production of sulfonamides, which are widely utilized in pharmaceuticals, particularly as antibacterial agents. It is also employed in the manufacture of dyes, where it acts as a sulfonating agent to introduce sulfonyl groups into aromatic compounds. Additionally, it finds application in polymer chemistry for modifying polymers and creating specialized materials with enhanced properties. Its reactivity with amines and alcohols makes it valuable in the development of various chemical derivatives used in research and industrial processes.