Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of certain anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. It serves as a building block in organic reactions where the nitrile and ester functionalities allow for further chemical modifications, such as hydrolysis, reduction, or cyclization. Commonly employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) due to its ability to introduce aromatic and functionalized side chains. Also utilized in the preparation of agrochemicals and specialty chemicals requiring cyanophenyl derivatives.