Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of biologically active compounds targeting central nervous system disorders. Its structure supports the construction of complex nitrogen-containing heterocycles, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs with potential cognitive-enhancing or neuroprotective effects. The cyano and carbonyl functionalities allow for further chemical modifications, enabling the formation of amides, amines, or heterocyclic extensions important in drug design. Commonly employed in research settings for generating compound libraries aimed at identifying new therapeutic agents.