Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the preparation of dyes and pharmaceuticals. It serves as a reagent in the detection and analysis of certain metals, such as nickel and cobalt, due to its ability to form colored complexes suitable for quantitative analysis via spectroscopy. Also employed in research settings for nitrosation studies and as a building block in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. Its functional groups make it useful in developing compounds with biological activity, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents.