Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of antiviral and antitumor agents. Its nitrile and hydroxyl functional groups allow for versatile chemical transformations, enabling the construction of complex cyclic structures. Commonly employed in ring-expansion reactions and as a building block in medicinal chemistry for developing bioactive molecules. Also utilized in the preparation of cyclopropane-containing analogs that enhance metabolic stability and binding affinity in drug candidates.