Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes and pigments, particularly in the production of azo dyes for textiles and printing inks. It serves as a key building block in organic synthesis due to the presence of both nitro and chloro functional groups, which allow for further chemical transformations such as nucleophilic substitution and reduction reactions. Also employed in the manufacture of certain pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals where sulfonate-containing structures are required. Its solubility in water facilitates its use in aqueous reaction systems, making it suitable for industrial-scale processes.