Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require functionalized cyclobutane moieties. Its nitrile and ketone groups allow for versatile chemical transformations, enabling the construction of complex molecular structures. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for developing drugs targeting central nervous system disorders and inflammatory conditions. Also utilized in agrochemical research for designing novel pesticides and herbicides due to its ability to enhance metabolic stability in bioactive molecules.