Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment. Its structure allows for selective modification, making it valuable in creating potent bioactive molecules. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry research to optimize drug candidates targeting tyrosine kinases and other signaling proteins involved in tumor growth. Also utilized in the preparation of analogs for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its reactive hydroxyl and nitro groups, which enable further functionalization.