Widely used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the preparation of indirubin and indigo derivatives, which show biological activity relevant to cancer research. It participates in cyclization and condensation reactions to form heterocyclic compounds with potential kinase inhibitory effects. Also employed in the development of dyes and fluorescent probes due to its conjugated structure and reactivity. Its electron-withdrawing nitrile and carbonyl groups make it suitable for use in organic electronic materials research.