Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure allows for further functionalization, making it valuable in the development of active ingredients in crop protection products and certain drug compounds. The presence of both acetyl and nitrile groups enables diverse reaction pathways, such as condensation and cyclization, useful in heterocyclic chemistry. Also employed in the preparation of dyes and specialty organic compounds where aromatic functionality with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents is required.