Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of serotonin receptor modulators and other central nervous system agents. Its structure supports the construction of complex indole-based molecules, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for drug discovery. Commonly employed in research settings to build bioactive compounds with potential antidepressant, antipsychotic, or anti-inflammatory activity. Also utilized in the preparation of analogs for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to the reactivity of the cyano and ester functional groups.