Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the cyano and carboxylic acid functional groups allow for further chemical modifications. Its strained cyclobutane ring enables unique reactivity useful in constructing complex molecular frameworks. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for building blocks in drug discovery, especially in the design of enzyme inhibitors and bioactive molecules. Also utilized in the preparation of specialty chemicals and agrochemicals due to its versatile functional group arrangement.