Used primarily in organic synthesis, it serves as a key intermediate in the production of various pharmaceuticals, including antiviral and antihypertensive drugs. It is also employed in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, which are crucial in medicinal chemistry for developing therapeutic agents. Additionally, it finds application in biochemical research as a reagent for studying enzyme mechanisms and protein interactions. Its role in the preparation of amidine derivatives makes it valuable in the development of agrochemicals and other specialty chemicals.