5-Cyano-2-methylbenzoic acid is used as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry for the development of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The presence of the cyano group and carboxylic acid functionality enables diverse chemical transformations, such as hydrolysis, reduction, or coupling reactions, making it suitable for building complex molecular structures. It is also applied in the synthesis of agrochemicals, including herbicides and pesticides, and in the production of specialty dyes and advanced materials requiring aromatic nitrile and acid moieties.