This chemical is primarily utilized in the field of organic synthesis, where it serves as a key intermediate in the production of various pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. Its structure, featuring a hydroxymethyl group on a pyridine ring and a nitrile group on a benzene ring connected via the 2-position of the pyridine to the 3-position of the benzonitrile, makes it a versatile building block for designing molecules with potential therapeutic properties. It is often employed in the development of inhibitors and ligands targeting specific enzymes or receptors, particularly in the context of neurological and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, its pyridine moiety contributes to its use in the synthesis of coordination complexes for catalytic applications in chemical reactions.