4'-Nitroacetophenone is used as a reagent in the synthesis of 4-Nitroacetophenone thiosemicarbazone derivatives and their copper(II) complexes which have potential anti-trypanosomal activity in vitro. Also used as a reagent in the synthesis of (R)-(4-Nitrophenyl)oxirane (N504430) and (S)-(4-Nitrophenyl)oxirane (N504435).