Ethyl 2-acetylisonicotinate is primarily used in organic synthesis as a key intermediate for the production of various pharmaceutical compounds. Its structure, featuring both an acetyl and an ester group, makes it versatile for constructing complex molecules, particularly in the development of drugs targeting neurological and cardiovascular diseases. It is also employed in the synthesis of agrochemicals, contributing to the creation of pesticides and herbicides with improved efficacy. Additionally, its reactivity allows it to serve as a building block in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds, which are essential in medicinal chemistry and material science.