Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of herbicides and plant growth regulators. Its nitrile and ester functional groups allow for further chemical transformations, making it valuable in building complex heterocyclic compounds. Commonly employed in the development of nicotinic receptor agonists and analogs used in crop protection agents. Also utilized in research settings for designing new bioactive molecules due to its reactive chlorine and cyano moieties.