Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nicotinic receptor agonists and other biologically active compounds. It plays a key role in the development of agrochemicals, including insecticides and herbicides, due to its reactivity in substitution and reduction reactions. The nitro and ester functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex heterocyclic systems. Commonly employed in research settings for designing new compounds with potential neurological or pesticidal activity.