Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of azo dyes and pigments, particularly for producing yellow and orange shades with good lightfastness. Commonly employed in textile dyeing, printing inks, and colorants for plastics. Also finds use in the preparation of photographic chemicals and optical brighteners due to its electron-withdrawing nitro group and reactive cyano functionality. Its hydroxyl group allows for further chemical modification, enhancing solubility and binding properties in various matrices.