Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the preparation of certain antidiabetic and antiviral agents. It serves as a building block in heterocyclic chemistry, facilitating the formation of guanidine-based structures that are key to biological activity in drug molecules. Its reactivity allows for efficient alkylation and cyclization processes under mild conditions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry research and development. Also employed in agrochemical synthesis for developing plant growth regulators and pesticides due to its ability to enhance molecular stability and bioavailability.