Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes and pigments due to its reactive bromo and nitro functional groups. The compound serves in the preparation of naphthalene-based derivatives for use in organic semiconductors and fluorescent dyes. It is also employed in research for the development of photochromic materials and as a building block in pharmaceuticals where naphthalene scaffolds are required, including compounds with biological activity such as antimicrobials or antioxidants. The electron-withdrawing nitro group activates the ring for nucleophilic aromatic substitutions, allowing selective functionalizations in fine chemical synthesis.