Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of indole-based pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors and anticancer agents. Its functional groups—aldehyde and nitrile—allow for versatile chemical modifications, enabling the construction of complex heterocyclic systems. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its ability to mimic bioactive indole scaffolds. Also utilized in the preparation of fluorescent probes and agrochemicals owing to its electron-withdrawing properties and aromatic stability.