Used primarily as a reagent in organic synthesis, this chemical is valuable for introducing sulfonyl groups into molecules, facilitating the creation of sulfonamides and sulfonate esters. It is particularly useful in pharmaceutical research for modifying drug candidates to enhance their biological activity or solubility. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in the production of dyes, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals, where its nitro and sulfonyl functionalities enable diverse chemical transformations. Its application in peptide chemistry is also notable, as it aids in protecting amino groups during synthesis.