Used primarily as a reactive intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves as an alkylating agent due to its dual sulfonate functionality. It is particularly useful in the preparation of sulfonated polymers and functionalized surfactants. The presence of both methylsulfonyl and methanesulfonate groups allows for selective reactions, making it valuable in pharmaceutical synthesis where controlled chain extension or introduction of polar groups is required. It also finds use in the modification of biomolecules and in the development of specialty chemicals for electrochemical applications.