Primarily used in organic synthesis, it serves as a key intermediate in the production of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals. Its thiol group allows it to act as a building block for more complex molecules, particularly in the development of sulfur-containing compounds. In material science, it is employed in the creation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on metal surfaces, which are crucial for surface modification and nanotechnology applications. Additionally, it finds use in research settings for studying reaction mechanisms involving nitro and thiol functional groups.