Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. It serves as a building block for the preparation of various heterocyclic compounds due to the reactivity of both the acyl chloride and nitrile functional groups. The acyl chloride group readily reacts with amines and alcohols to form amides and esters, respectively, enabling the construction of complex molecules. Its nitrile group can be hydrolyzed to carboxylic acids or reduced to amines, offering further derivatization pathways. Commonly employed in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly in compounds targeting central nervous system disorders and anti-inflammatory agents. Also utilized in the development of crop protection chemicals, where its structure contributes to the biological activity of certain herbicides and fungicides.