(2-Methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)methanol is primarily used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for the production of more complex chemical compounds. It is often employed in the development of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals due to its reactive hydroxyl and nitro groups, which allow for further functionalization. In the pharmaceutical industry, it can serve as a building block for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or drug candidates. Additionally, its structure makes it useful in research settings for studying chemical reactions involving aromatic alcohols and nitro compounds. The compound may also find applications in material science, particularly in the development of specialty polymers or coatings.