Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its cyano and ester functional groups allow for versatile chemical transformations, such as carbon-chain elongation and heterocycle formation. Commonly employed in Knoevenagel condensations to generate unsaturated nitriles, which serve as precursors to active ingredients in herbicides and insecticides. Also utilized in the synthesis of fine chemicals and specialty polymers due to its reactivity and stability under various reaction conditions.