Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The presence of both bromomethyl and nitro groups allows for sequential functionalization through nucleophilic substitution or reduction reactions. It is commonly employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients where the bromine serves as a leaving group for coupling reactions, and the nitro group can be reduced to an amine for further derivatization. Its ester functionality also enables transformation into carboxylic acids or amides, expanding its utility in building complex molecules.