Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of dyes and pharmaceuticals. It features two carboxylic acid groups—one directly attached to the aromatic ring (benzoic acid) and one in the carboxymethyl substituent—along with a nitro group, allowing for versatile chemical modifications such as amidation or esterification. This makes it valuable in constructing complex molecules. Commonly employed in the development of specialty chemicals requiring aromatic backbones with electron-withdrawing and acidic substituents. Additionally, it is used in research and development of bioactive compounds and in materials science for synthesizing polymers with special properties.