2-Bromo-5-cyanobenzoic acid is primarily used in organic synthesis as a versatile intermediate. Its structure, featuring both a bromo and a cyano group, makes it a valuable building block for constructing complex molecules. It is often employed in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the benzoic acid moiety can be further modified. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the production of agrochemicals, contributing to the creation of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Its reactivity also makes it useful in material science, where it can be incorporated into polymers or other advanced materials to impart specific chemical properties.