Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical industry for constructing complex molecules. Its nitrile and ester functional groups allow for versatile transformations, such as hydrolysis, reduction, and cyclization reactions. Commonly employed in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the cyano group can be converted into amides, carboxylic acids, or heterocycles. Also utilized in the synthesis of fine chemicals and specialty esters due to its ability to introduce phenyl and ethyl functionalities in a controlled manner. Its structural features make it valuable in creating chiral centers for asymmetric synthesis when combined with appropriate catalysts.