Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment. It serves as a building block in medicinal chemistry due to its structural similarity to biologically active indole derivatives. Commonly employed in the design of anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective agents. Also utilized in the preparation of functionalized oxindoles through nucleophilic addition or cycloaddition reactions. Its cyano group allows for further chemical modifications, enabling the creation of diverse compound libraries for drug discovery.