Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It serves as a building block for introducing the methylthio-phenyl moiety into more complex molecules. Its nitrile group allows for further chemical transformations, such as hydrolysis to carboxylic acids or reduction to amines, enabling diverse derivatization pathways in drug development. Also employed in the preparation of agrochemicals and specialty organic compounds where aromatic thioether functionality is required.