Methyl 3-formyl-2-nitrobenzoate is a phase transfer catalyst used to synthesize chlorinated hydrocarbons from inorganic chloride. It is soluble in organic solvents and can synthesize hydrochloric acid, sodium chloride, and zinc chloride. Methyl 3-formyl-2-nitrobenzoate is also used as a catalyst for producing polychlorinated biphenyls. It is hydrolyzed by water to release methyl 3-hydroxy-2-nitrobenzoate.
