Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of nicotinic receptor ligands and other biologically active compounds targeting the central nervous system. It serves as a building block in the preparation of pyridine-containing heterocycles, which are common structural motifs in medicinal chemistry. Its keto-ester functionality allows for versatile chemical transformations, including condensation, reduction, and cyclization reactions, making it valuable in drug discovery and the production of agrochemicals.