2-Ethoxy-2-propenenitrile is used in the synthesis of a minor constituent of Caramel Color III, 2-Acetyl-4(5)-(1R,2S,3R,4-tetrahydroxybutyl)imidazole, which lowers circulating lumyocytes count when fed to rats. Also, it is an intermediate used in the synthesis of (R,S,R)-2-Acetyl-4-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutyl)-imidazole (A188490), which inhibits sphinogosine-1-phosphate (S1P) lyase for treatment of autoimmune disorders.
