Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes and pigments, particularly for producing azo dyes that exhibit good light and wash fastness. It also serves in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, where the amino and hydroxyl functional groups allow for derivatization into active drug compounds. Additionally, it finds use in the development of agrochemicals, contributing to the creation of certain herbicides and plant growth regulators. Its nitro group can be reduced to an amine, enabling further chemical transformations in multi-step organic syntheses.