Used primarily as a flavoring agent in the food industry due to its nutty, roasted, and earthy aroma characteristics. It contributes to the flavor profile of roasted nuts, coffee, and cooked meat products. Also serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, where its pyrazine ring acts as a building block for more complex molecules. Its ester functionality allows for easy modification in organic reactions, making it valuable in research and development of new bioactive compounds.