Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, particularly in the development of fluorinated organic compounds. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in building complex molecules. The presence of both aldehyde and hydroxyl groups enables participation in condensation and cyclization reactions, often utilized in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds. Also employed in the design of dyes and fluorescent probes due to its electron-withdrawing nitro group and aromatic framework.