Involved in the degradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT). Catalyzes the removal of the nitro group from 4-methyl-5-nitrocatechol (MNC) to yield 2-hydroxy-5-methylquinone (PubMed:8830701, PubMed:16751499). It can use both NADH and NADPH as electron donors, but prefers NADPH (PubMed:8830701). Also able to use 4-nitrocatechol as substrate (PubMed:8830701). 4-methyl-5-nitrocatechol + NADPH + O2 = 2-hydroxy-5-methylquinone + H(+) + H2O + NADP(+) + nitrite 4-methyl-5-nitrocatechol + NADH + O2 = 2-hydroxy-5-methylquinone + H(+) + H2O + NAD(+) + nitrite Binds 1 FAD per subunit. Activated by magnesium or manganese ions. Inhibited by concentrations of 4-methyl-5-nitrocatechol (MNC) above 2 mM. kcat is 0.014 sec(-1) with 4-nitrophenol (4NP) as substrate. Monomer. Belongs to the PheA/TfdB FAD monooxygenase family.