Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes and pigments, particularly in the production of azo dyes due to its nitro and phenolic functional groups. It also serves in the manufacture of certain agrochemicals, including herbicides and insecticides, where the methyl and nitro substituents contribute to bioactivity. Additionally, it can be employed in organic research for developing nitroaromatic compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. Its structure allows for further chemical modifications such as reduction of the nitro group to an amine, enabling coupling reactions.