Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. It serves as a building block in the production of certain antidepressants and anxiolytic drugs due to its structural similarity to biologically active benzodioxole derivatives. Its nitro and methyl functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing drug candidates. Also explored in research for potential applications in agrochemicals and fluorescent probes.