Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of neonicotinoid insecticides, particularly in the production of clothianidin. It serves as a building block for constructing the nitroimino or cyanoimino pharmacophore essential for insecticidal activity. Its structure allows for selective reactivity in coupling reactions, making it valuable in agrochemical manufacturing. Also employed in research for developing new crop protection agents due to its reactivity and stability in multi-step organic syntheses.