Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound plays a key role in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its aldehyde and nitro functional groups allow for diverse chemical transformations, making it valuable in constructing complex molecules. It is particularly useful in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds, which are common structural motifs in bioactive molecules. Additionally, the presence of a cyclohexylthio group contributes to lipophilicity, which can enhance membrane permeability in drug design. It may also find use in research settings for synthesizing dyes or fluorescent probes due to its conjugated aromatic system.