Used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Serves as a building block in the preparation of chalcone derivatives, which exhibit biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Employed in photochemical studies due to its conjugated system and sensitivity to light, making it suitable for research in photoresponsive materials, including photoisomerization processes. Also utilized in the development of nonlinear optical materials owing to its electron-withdrawing nitro group and extended π-conjugation.