Used as a key reagent in bioconjugation chemistry, particularly in click chemistry applications. Its azide group readily participates in copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions, enabling efficient labeling and coupling with alkyne-containing biomolecules such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. The light-sensitive sulfonyl azide moiety also enables photolabeling applications to capture protein-ligand interactions or study molecular interactions in biological systems.

The electron-deficient tetrafluorobenzene core enhances the stability, reactivity, and solubility in organic solvents of the sulfonyl azide, making it suitable for selective surface modifications and functionalization of materials. It is also employed in the development of fluorescent probes and pharmaceutical intermediates where controlled, site-specific reactions are required.

The carboxylic acid group allows further derivatization, such as amide bond formation, facilitating integration into complex molecular architectures.