Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nicotinic receptor modulators and drugs targeting neurological disorders. It serves as a building block in the development of compounds with potential cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective properties. Its nitrile and ketone functional groups allow for versatile chemical transformations, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating pyridine-based derivatives. Also employed in research settings to design new bioactive molecules and in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds for drug discovery programs.