Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its functional groups—nitro and hydroxyl—allow for diverse chemical transformations, such as reduction of the nitro group to an amine, enabling the formation of nitrogen-containing compounds. Commonly employed in the synthesis of amino alcohols, which are structural motifs in various bioactive molecules. Also utilized in the development of specialty chemicals where controlled reactivity and polarity are required.