Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its nitrile and ester functional groups allow for versatile chemical transformations, such as hydrolysis, reduction, and cyclization reactions. Commonly employed in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) due to its ability to form carbon-carbon bonds under various catalytic conditions. Also utilized in the synthesis of specialty monomers for functional polymers.