Used as a dye intermediate in the textile industry, particularly for producing anthraquinone-based vat dyes. It imparts bright red to burgundy shades on cotton and other cellulosic fibers. Also employed in the synthesis of disperse dyes for polyester and acetate fabrics. Its nitro and hydroxyl groups enhance lightfastness and color stability. Occasionally used in analytical chemistry as a chromogenic reagent for metal ion detection due to its ability to form colored complexes.