Used in pharmaceutical research as a key intermediate in the synthesis of bioactive molecules, particularly in the development of potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents. Its rigid polycyclic structure makes it valuable in medicinal chemistry for designing compounds that can interact with specific enzyme targets or receptors. Also explored in the study of structure-activity relationships (SAR) due to its ability to influence potency and selectivity in drug candidates.

Additionally, the presence of the nitro-substituted aromatic ring suggests potential applications in photochemistry or optical materials, such as molecular sensors responsive to environmental stimuli at the molecular level.