Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of certain anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. It serves as a building block for introducing the 4-cyanophenoxy moiety into more complex molecules. Commonly employed in organic synthesis for constructing biologically active compounds, including some herbicides and plant growth regulators. Its nitrile and ester functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry and agrochemical research.