Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals (e.g., as a precursor in the production of paracetamol, a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug), dyes, and pesticides. In the agricultural sector, it is utilized in the manufacture of certain herbicides and insecticides. Additionally, it is employed in organic chemistry research as a reagent for various reactions and in biochemical laboratories to assay enzyme activity, particularly phosphatases, where it produces a characteristic yellow color upon hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate substrates. In environmental studies, it acts as a model compound for investigating the degradation of nitroaromatic pollutants and in water treatment processes to evaluate system efficiency. In chemical analysis, it is used to measure concentrations of certain substances. Its utility also extends to the leather industry, where it is used in tanning processes.