Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, particularly in the production of nicotinamide derivatives and pyridine-based compounds. It serves as a building block in condensation reactions to form heterocyclic structures, which are common in bioactive molecules. Its cyano and ester functionalities allow for versatile chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for developing new drug candidates. Also employed in the preparation of dyes and functional materials due to its conjugated structure and reactivity.