Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the development of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. Its structure supports the construction of complex indole derivatives, which are common in medicinal chemistry. It has been employed in research toward serotonin receptor modulators and other neuroactive agents. Also utilized in the study of nitroindole reactivity for developing fluorescent probes and sensors. Common in academic and industrial labs for building blocks in heterocyclic compound libraries.