Used primarily in the synthesis of dyes and pigments due to its reactive aromatic structure and nitro groups. Serves as an intermediate in the production of azo dyes, where it couples with diazonium salts to form colored compounds. Also employed in the formulation of certain photographic developers and light-sensitive materials. Its nitro functionality makes it useful in some explosive compositions, though less common due to stability concerns. Occasionally used in research settings for organic transformations involving nucleophilic aromatic substitution.