Used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. Serves as a building block in the preparation of indole-based derivatives with potential antitumor, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities. Commonly employed in the development of kinase inhibitors and fluorescent probes due to its ability to undergo selective functionalization at the aldehyde and nitro groups. Also utilized in materials science for designing organic semiconductors and optoelectronic materials.