Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of serotonin receptor modulators and other neuroactive compounds. Its structure supports functionalization at multiple sites, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs in drug discovery programs. Commonly employed in research settings to build complex indole-based molecules with potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, or anticancer activity. Also utilized in the preparation of fluorescent probes and agrochemicals due to its electron-withdrawing nitrile group and halogen substituent that facilitate coupling reactions.