4-Nitroaniline is mainly consumed industrially as a precursor to p-phenylenediamine, an important dye component.

[8] [9] When heated with sulfuric acid, it dehydrates and polymerizes explosively into a rigid foam.

[10] In Carbon snake demo, paranitroaniline can be used instead of sugar, if the experiment is allowed to proceed under an obligatory fumehood.

[13] The compound is toxic by way of inhalation, ingestion, and absorption, and should be handled with care.

4-Nitroaniline is particularly harmful to all aquatic organisms, and can cause long-term damage to the environment if released as a pollutant.