Cyclohexyl methanesulfonate is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its sulfonate structure makes it an excellent leaving group in nucleophilic substitution reactions, facilitating the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. It is commonly employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where controlled reactivity and ease of purification are important. Additionally, it is utilized in the production of agrochemicals and specialty polymers requiring specific solubility and reactivity profiles.