This compound is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as a chiral building block for the preparation of more complex molecules. Its structure, featuring a nitro group and a methoxy ester, makes it a valuable intermediate in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with specific stereochemistry. The nitro group can be reduced to an amine, enabling further functionalization, while the ester group can be hydrolyzed or transformed into other functional groups. It is also employed in research settings for studying asymmetric synthesis and catalytic processes, contributing to advancements in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.