What are the main uses of 3-hydroxypropanenetrile (CAS: 109-78-4)?

3-hydroxypropanenitrile is primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry as a precursor for various drugs and as a building block in the synthesis of organic compounds. It also finds applications in the production of pesticides, dyes, and specialty chemicals. In research settings, it serves as a useful reagent for functional group transformations and chemical derivatization.