N-acetylsuccinimide is primarily used in organic synthesis as a versatile reagent. It is commonly employed in the acylation of amines, alcohols, and thiols, facilitating the introduction of acetyl groups into various organic molecules. This compound is particularly useful in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, where it aids in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) by modifying functional groups to enhance drug efficacy or stability. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the production of polymers and specialty chemicals, contributing to the development of materials with specific properties. Its role in peptide chemistry is also notable, as it assists in protecting amino groups during peptide synthesis, ensuring the correct sequence and structure of the final product.