Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It serves as a building block for modifying aromatic structures to enhance biological activity. Its cyano and methoxy functional groups allow for further chemical transformations, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs with improved pharmacokinetic properties. Also employed in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds used in agrochemicals and dyes.