This compound is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as an intermediate for the development of more complex molecules, particularly in pharmaceutical research. Its structure, featuring both a cyano group and a carboxylate ester, makes it a versatile building block for constructing nitrogen-containing heterocycles, which are common in many active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is often employed in the synthesis of compounds targeting neurological disorders, as the azepane ring can mimic certain structural motifs found in bioactive molecules. Additionally, its tert-butyl group provides steric protection, allowing for selective reactions in multi-step synthetic pathways.