Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its nitrile and carboxylic acid functional groups allow for versatile chemical transformations, such as reduction to amines or conversion to amides and esters. Commonly employed in the development of bioactive molecules, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs, which have neurological activity. Also utilized in the synthesis of polymers and specialty materials where bifunctional building blocks are required.