This chemical is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as a key intermediate for the production of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its bromine and nitrile functional groups make it a versatile building block for constructing complex molecules. It is often employed in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the introduction of a phenylacetonitrile moiety is required. Additionally, it finds application in the development of herbicides and pesticides, where its structural properties contribute to the efficacy of the final product. In research settings, it is used to study reaction mechanisms and develop novel synthetic pathways.