Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its structure allows participation in cycloaddition and nucleophilic addition reactions, making it valuable in constructing nitrogen- and oxygen-containing heterocycles. Commonly employed in the synthesis of nitrophenyl-based dyes, fluorescent probes, and bioactive molecules due to the electron-withdrawing nature of both the cyano and nitro groups. Also utilized in materials science for developing conjugated systems in organic semiconductors and nonlinear optical materials.