Used primarily in pharmaceutical research as a key intermediate in the synthesis of immunomodulatory drugs, particularly analogs of thalidomide and lenalidomide. It exhibits biological activity by modulating the cereblon E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, leading to targeted degradation of disease-causing proteins. This property makes it valuable in developing treatments for multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and other hematological cancers. Its nitrile and carbonyl functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, enabling the creation of more potent and selective derivatives. Also investigated for anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects in preclinical studies.