Ethyl 2-(3-nitropyridin-2-yl)acetate is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as a key intermediate for the preparation of various heterocyclic compounds. It plays a significant role in the development of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the synthesis of molecules with potential biological activity. The compound is often employed in the construction of pyridine derivatives, which are prevalent in drugs targeting neurological disorders, inflammation, and infectious diseases. Additionally, its nitro group makes it a valuable precursor for further functionalization through reduction or substitution reactions, enabling the creation of diverse chemical structures for research and industrial applications.