Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of certain central nervous system (CNS) agents and antidepressant drugs. Its structure supports the development of bioactive molecules due to the presence of both amino and nitrile functional groups, which can be further modified in multi-step syntheses. Commonly employed in research settings for developing analogs of phenylethylamine-based therapeutics. Also utilized in the preparation of chiral building blocks for asymmetric synthesis, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing drug potency and selectivity.