Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, particularly in the development of herbicides and fungicides. Its halogen substituents allow for selective cross-coupling reactions, making it valuable in building complex aromatic structures. Commonly employed in Suzuki and Ullmann reactions to introduce functionalized benzene rings into active compounds. Also utilized in the preparation of liquid crystals and organic semiconductors due to its electron-withdrawing nitrile group and halogen-directed reactivity.