Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of drugs targeting the central nervous system. It serves as a building block for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs due to the presence of both carboxylic acid and cyanomethyl functional groups. The compound is also employed in the preparation of agrochemicals and specialty polymers, where its reactive groups allow for further chemical modifications. Its structural features make it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating bioactive molecules with enhanced stability and binding properties.