Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of central nervous system agents and nootropic drugs. It plays a role in the preparation of compounds with cognitive-enhancing properties. Also utilized in the development of certain antidepressants and anticonvulsants due to its ability to modify amine-containing structures. Its nitrile and amine functional groups allow for further chemical transformations, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex molecules.