Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nicotinic receptor agonists and antagonists. It plays a key role in creating active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for drugs targeting neurological disorders, including treatments for neuropathic pain, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Its reactive chloromethyl and cyano groups allow for versatile functionalization, making it valuable in building complex heterocyclic compounds in medicinal chemistry. Also employed in agrochemical synthesis for developing novel pesticides and herbicides due to its ability to enhance molecular binding and stability.