Used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Acts as a building block in the preparation of cyano-substituted aromatic compounds, which are important in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Commonly employed in conjugated systems for research in materials science, including liquid crystals and optoelectronic materials. Its α,β-unsaturated ester structure allows participation in Michael addition and other carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry research.