Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure allows for functionalization in multi-step reactions, particularly in the development of active ingredients in crop protection agents. It is also employed in the preparation of specialty chemicals where a phenyl-substituted nitrile group is required for further transformation, such as in the production of carboxylic acids or amines through hydrolysis or reduction. The presence of the isopropyl group enhances lipophilicity, making it valuable in designing molecules with improved membrane permeability in medicinal chemistry applications.