Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Its reactive sulfonyl chloride group allows it to form sulfonamides and sulfonate esters, which are key structural motifs in certain herbicides and fungicides. It is also employed in the development of active ingredients in crop protection products due to the electron-withdrawing chlorine and methyl group enhancing stability and reactivity. Commonly utilized in organic synthesis for introducing the 3-chloro-5-methylphenylsulfonyl moiety, especially in the preparation of sulfonamide-based bioactive molecules.