2-Butyl-5-nitrobenzofuran is primarily used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis within the pharmaceutical industry. It plays a crucial role in the production of dronedarone, an antiarrhythmic agent employed in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiovascular disorders. The compound's benzofuran core with a nitro substituent enables the creation of derivatives with targeted pharmacological activities, such as modulation of ion channels. In research settings, it is also utilized for exploring reaction mechanisms in nitroaromatic chemistry and developing novel therapeutic agents.