Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment. It serves as a building block in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) targeting tyrosine kinases due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds and fit into specific enzyme active sites. Its nitro and methyl functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, enabling the creation of more complex drug molecules. Commonly employed in research and development within medicinal chemistry for designing compounds with improved selectivity and potency.