Used primarily in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, it serves as a key intermediate in the production of various drugs, particularly those targeting central nervous system disorders. Its nitrile and acetyl groups make it a versatile building block for constructing complex molecules in medicinal chemistry. Additionally, it is employed in the development of agrochemicals, contributing to the creation of pesticides and herbicides. In research, it is utilized for studying enzyme inhibition and as a precursor in organic synthesis for developing novel compounds with potential therapeutic properties.