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 agrochemicals, contributing to the creation of herbicides and plant growth regulators. Its nitrile and hydroxyl functional groups allow for versatile chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex heterocyclic compounds. Also employed in research settings for designing novel bioactive molecules due to its ability to participate in cross-coupling and cyclization reactions.