Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of anthelmintic drugs like flubendazole and mebendazole. It serves as a building block in organic reactions where the aldehyde and nitro groups allow for further functionalization. Its chlorinated aromatic structure enhances reactivity in nucleophilic substitution, making it valuable in agrochemical and dye industries as well. Commonly employed in multi-step syntheses to introduce specific substituents in heterocyclic compounds.