Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system active compounds. Its structure supports the creation of chiral molecules important in antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs. The nitrile group allows for further functionalization, enabling conversion to amines, carboxylic acids, or tetrazoles, which are valuable in drug design. It is also employed in the preparation of bioactive heterocycles and used in research for novel therapeutic agents targeting neurological disorders.