2-Nitrophenylacetonitrile is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It plays a key role in the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds, which are essential in developing drugs with therapeutic properties. Additionally, it is utilized in the preparation of dyes and pigments, contributing to the coloration of materials in the textile and printing industries. Its nitrile group makes it a valuable building block for further chemical modifications, enabling the creation of complex molecules in research and industrial applications.