Subsequent to the cycloaddition to a vinyl sulfone, the phenylsulfonyl group can be removed by reduction with zinc.

[9] This same reactive nature is responsible for their major industrial use in vinyl sulfone dyes.

[10] Phenyl vinyl sulfone has been applied to ruthenium chemistry as part of olefin metathesis reactions.

[11] Vinyl sulfone has applications to protein purification, especially when linked with mercaptoethanol.

[13] Like similar compounds, vinyl sulfone is a lacrymator and skin irritant.