Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its reactivity allows for the introduction of benzonitrile derivatives in heterocyclic compound formation. Commonly employed in the preparation of benzodiazepines and related psychoactive drugs due to its ability to form fused ring systems. Also utilized in the development of fluorescent dyes and optical brighteners because of its nitrile and reactive bromoacetyl groups, which facilitate conjugation with aromatic systems. Plays a role in organic synthesis for constructing complex molecules through nucleophilic substitution and cyclization reactions.