Used primarily as a building block in organic synthesis, this compound is valuable in the preparation of nitro-containing compounds and heterocyclic systems. Its reactivity allows for the introduction of functionalized malonate groups into more complex molecules, making it useful in pharmaceutical and agrochemical research. The presence of both ester and nitro groups enables diverse transformations, including reductions to amines and cyclization reactions for constructing nitrogen-containing rings. It is also employed in the synthesis of dyes and specialty polymers where controlled reactivity and functional group compatibility are required.