Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds and dyes. It serves as a building block in the development of pharmaceuticals, where the nitrophenyl group can be reduced to an aminophenyl derivative for further functionalization. Also employed in photochemistry due to the light-sensitive nature of the o-nitro group, making it useful in photolabile protecting group strategies. Its structure allows for participation in cyclization reactions, contributing to the synthesis of benzimidazoles and related nitrogen-containing rings.