Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of antidiabetic drugs such as vildagliptin and saxagliptin. Its structure allows for functionalization that is critical in building the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Also employed in agrochemicals for the development of certain plant growth regulators and crop protection agents. Serves as a building block in organic synthesis due to the reactivity of the hydroxymethyl group and the pyrazine ring, enabling a variety of derivatization reactions.