This pale yellow solid is related to 1,2-dichlorobenzene by the replacement of one H atom with a nitro functional group.

This compound is an intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals.

The nitration of 1,2-dichlorobenzene mainly produces 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene, together with smaller amounts of the 3-nitro isomer.

Potassium fluoride gives 2-chloro-1-fluoro-4-nitrobenzene, an intermediate in the production of herbicides.

With ammonia, one obtains 2-chloro-4-nitroaniline, a precursor to diazo dyes.