Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system active compounds. Its structure allows for functionalization into chiral building blocks important in drug development. Commonly employed in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) requiring aryl-substituted nitrile functionalities. Also utilized in research settings for the development of novel bioactive molecules and in the creation of analogs for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.