Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly in the production of nabumetone. It serves as a building block in pharmaceuticals due to its functional groups, which allow for further chemical modifications. The cyano and carboxylic acid groups enable coupling reactions and ring formations important in drug development. Also employed in the preparation of dyes and functional organic materials where aromatic carboxylic acids with electron-withdrawing substituents are required.