Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of indole-based drug candidates. Its nitro and aldehyde functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, enabling the construction of complex heterocyclic systems. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship studies, especially in targeting kinase inhibitors and anti-inflammatory agents. Also utilized in organic synthesis to introduce the indole scaffold in a protected form, facilitating selective reactions at other reactive sites.