Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of herbicides, particularly in the production of aryloxyphenoxypropionate class herbicides, which are effective against grass weeds in broadleaf crops. These herbicides play a key role in agricultural chemistry due to their ability to selectively inhibit acetyl-CoA carboxylase in target plants. The compound is also utilized in the development of certain dyes and pharmaceuticals where a nitro-substituted aromatic system is required. Its reactivity allows for further functionalization in organic synthesis, making it valuable in research and industrial applications.