Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure supports the formation of complex nitrogen-containing compounds, making it valuable in constructing bioactive molecules. It is also employed in photochemistry due to the nitro group's light-sensitive properties, enabling applications in photoremovable protecting groups and molecular switches. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the synthesis of dyes and functional materials where conjugated systems with electron-withdrawing groups are required.