Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure, featuring an aromatic ring with hydroxy, ester, and nitro functional groups, allows for further functionalization through various reactions, such as reduction of the nitro group to amino or hydrolysis of the ester to carboxylic acid, making it valuable in creating active ingredients in herbicides and certain anti-inflammatory agents. Also employed in the development of dyes and UV stabilizers due to its aromatic and nitro group characteristics.