Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of sulfonylurea herbicides, particularly in the production of agrochemicals that target broadleaf weeds and grasses in crops like rice and wheat. Its structure enables the formation of active herbicidal compounds that inhibit plant acetolactate synthase (ALS), disrupting amino acid synthesis in susceptible weeds. Due to its nitro and hydroxyl functional groups, it participates in selective coupling reactions, making it valuable in developing environmentally low-impact herbicides with high potency at low application rates.