Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) analogs and other biologically active compounds. It serves as a building block in agrochemicals for developing herbicides and plant growth regulators. Also employed in the preparation of ligands for catalytic reactions, especially in transition metal catalysis. Its nitrile and pyridine functionalities make it valuable in forming heterocyclic compounds for research in medicinal chemistry.