4-Bromobutyronitrile is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis. It plays a significant role in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other specialty chemicals. The compound is often utilized in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, which are essential in drug development. Additionally, it serves as a building block for creating complex molecules in medicinal chemistry. Its reactivity, particularly the bromine atom, makes it valuable for nucleophilic substitution reactions, enabling the formation of carbon-nitrogen and carbon-carbon bonds. This chemical is also employed in the preparation of polymers and materials with specific functional properties.