It contains a nitro group meta-substituted to the aldehyde.
3-Nitrobenzaldehyde is the primary product obtained via the mono-nitration of benzaldehyde with nitric acid.
[3] Product distribution is about 19% for the ortho-, 72% for the meta- and 9% for the para isomers.
It is a mainstay in the synthesis of Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers.
Via selective reduction of the nitro group, it is a precursor to the diazonium salt.