Primarily used in organic synthesis as a reagent for the preparation of nitrobenzyl derivatives. It is particularly valuable in the Wittig reaction, where it facilitates the formation of alkenes by reacting with aldehydes or ketones. This compound is also employed in the development of photoactive materials due to its nitrobenzyl group, which can be cleaved upon exposure to light, making it useful in photolithography and photoresist technologies. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, where the nitrobenzyl moiety plays a crucial role in the final product's biological activity. Its application extends to research laboratories for studying reaction mechanisms and developing new synthetic pathways.