Used primarily in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, this compound serves as a key intermediate. It is particularly valuable in the production of herbicides and fungicides, contributing to crop protection and yield improvement. Additionally, it is utilized in organic synthesis for creating complex molecules, often in the development of dyes and pigments. Its nitro and nitrile functional groups make it a versatile building block in various chemical reactions, including nucleophilic substitutions and reductions.