Cyclobutylmethanesulfonyl chloride is primarily used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of sulfonamide derivatives. These derivatives are valuable in the development of pharmaceuticals, where they often serve as active ingredients in drugs targeting various diseases. The compound's reactive sulfonyl chloride group enables it to participate in nucleophilic substitution reactions, making it useful for introducing the cyclobutylmethanesulfonyl moiety into larger molecules. This functionality is often exploited in medicinal chemistry to enhance the biological activity or pharmacokinetic properties of drug candidates. Additionally, it finds application in the synthesis of agrochemicals and specialty chemicals, where its unique structure contributes to the development of compounds with specific properties or activities.