Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require functionalized piperidine scaffolds. Its cyano and ester functionalities allow for further chemical transformations, such as hydrolysis, reduction, or cyclization reactions, enabling the construction of complex nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for drug discovery programs targeting central nervous system disorders and metabolic diseases. Also utilized in the preparation of protease inhibitors and receptor modulators due to its structural compatibility with bioactive molecules.