2-Nitrobenzoic acid is an organic compound with the molecular formula C7H5NO4. It is a white to pale yellow crystalline solid characterized by a carboxylic acid group and a nitro group attached to the benzene ring at the ortho position. This compound is a fundamental aromatic building block in synthetic organic chemistry. Its primary utility lies as a versatile intermediate in chemical synthesis. The carboxylic acid group allows for derivatization into esters, amides, or acid chlorides, while the nitro group can be reduced to an amine, providing a key handle for constructing more complex molecules, including dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. It is also used in the preparation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and as a reagent in analytical chemistry. As a common laboratory chemical, it is widely available from suppliers of fine chemicals and research reagents. Standard safety precautions for handling nitroaromatic compounds and carboxylic acids should be observed, including the use of personal protective equipment due to potential irritant properties.