Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of quinolone antibiotics, particularly in the production of fluoroquinolone-class antimicrobial agents. It serves as a building block for introducing the quinolinol core structure, which is essential for the biological activity of these drugs. Also employed in research for developing new pharmaceuticals with antibacterial, antifungal, or anticancer properties. Its nitro group allows for further chemical modifications, enabling the creation of diverse derivatives for structure-activity relationship studies. Additionally, it has been explored in agrochemical research for the development of novel pesticides and antimicrobial agents in crop protection.