Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of serotonin receptor modulators and other neuroactive compounds. Its indole core structure makes it valuable in creating analogs for drug discovery targeting central nervous system disorders. It is also employed in research settings to explore new pathways in medicinal chemistry, especially in the design of tryptamine-derived molecules. The nitrile group allows for further functionalization, enabling the creation of diverse derivatives for biological evaluation.