Primarily utilized in organic synthesis, this compound serves as a key intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its nitro and cyano groups make it a versatile building block for constructing complex molecules, particularly in the development of heterocyclic compounds. It is often employed in the synthesis of potential drug candidates, especially those targeting infectious diseases or cancer, due to its ability to introduce specific functional groups into molecular frameworks. Additionally, it finds use in research settings for studying chemical reactions and mechanisms involving nitrile and nitro functionalities.