Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its reactive nitrile and ester functional groups allow for versatile transformations, including cyclization and condensation reactions, making it valuable in constructing heterocyclic compounds. Commonly employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where cyanomethyl derivatives enhance metabolic stability. Also utilized in the synthesis of specialty polymers and dyes due to its ability to introduce polar functional groups into molecular frameworks.