Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of antithyroid drugs. It also serves in the development of agrochemicals and dyes due to its reactive thiol and nitro groups. Its structure allows for functionalization in heterocyclic compound design, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry research. Additionally, it can act as a ligand in coordination chemistry for metal complex formation and is utilized in photochemistry research as well as in sensors for detecting metal ions, owing to the sensitivity of its mercapto group to heavy metals.