Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Its functional groups enable further chemical transformations, such as hydrolysis, reduction, and cyclization, making it valuable in constructing complex heterocyclic compounds. Also employed in agrochemical synthesis for developing herbicides and plant growth regulators. Its nitrile and ester moieties allow for selective reactions, supporting its role in fine chemical manufacturing and medicinal chemistry research.