Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and related analgesic compounds. Its structure allows for functional group transformations that are essential in building active pharmaceutical ingredients. Commonly employed in multi-step organic syntheses where the nitrile group can be hydrolyzed to carboxylic acid or reduced to amine, enabling diverse derivatization. Also utilized in the development of agrochemicals and specialty organic compounds requiring substituted aryl alkyl frameworks.