3-Methyl-2-phenylbutanenitrile is used as a reagent in the synthesis of disubstituted aminopiperidines as calcium channel blockers which are active on pain and neuropathic pain. 3-Methyl-2-phenylbutanenitrile is also used as a reagent in the synthesis of (methylethyl)(oxopropyl)benzeneacetonitrile and noremopamil enantiomers.