Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes and pigments, particularly in the production of triarylmethane dyes. It also serves in the manufacture of optical brighteners for textiles and paper. Due to its nitro group and methyl substituents, it is valuable in organic transformations where selective functionalization is required. Additionally, it finds use in the development of certain photochemical compounds and as a building block in specialty chemicals for agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.