Used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules and heterocyclic compounds. Its structure supports the construction of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing rings, which are common in medicinal chemistry. The chloromethyl group allows for further alkylation or substitution reactions, making it a versatile building block in organic synthesis. It is also employed in the preparation of fluorescent probes and agrochemicals due to its electron-withdrawing nitro group and stable oxadiazole core.