Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves in the preparation of specialty chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its reactive nitro and alkene functional groups allow for versatile transformations, such as reduction of the nitro group to amines or use in Michael addition reactions. It can also participate in cyclization processes to form nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Due to its reactivity, it is handled with care in controlled environments for targeted synthesis in research and development settings.