Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its nitrile and ketone functional groups allow for versatile transformations, such as reduction, condensation, and cyclization reactions. Commonly employed in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds, including pyridines and pyrimidines, which are core structures in many bioactive molecules. Also utilized in the synthesis of specialty chemicals like dyes and functional polymers due to its reactivity and ability to introduce cyano and carbonyl groups in a single step.