Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs and pharmaceuticals such as pregabalin and baclofen. It serves in the production of fine chemicals and specialty amines due to its functional groups enabling diverse chemical transformations. Also employed in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds and in agrochemical synthesis. Its nitrile and hydroxyl groups allow for selective reactions, making it valuable in multi-step organic synthesis.