Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It participates in organic reactions to introduce nitrophenyl and chloroethyl functionalities, especially in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds. Commonly employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the nitro group can be reduced to an amine for further derivatization. Also utilized in the production of dyes and specialty organic compounds requiring electrophilic character due to the chloro ketone moiety.