Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its nitrile and ketone functional groups allow for versatile chemical transformations, such as reductions, condensations, and cyclization reactions. Commonly employed in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, including pyrazoles and isoxazoles, which are key scaffolds in drug development. Also utilized in the production of dyes and functional materials due to its electron-withdrawing nitro group and conjugated system.