Used primarily in the synthesis of anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medications, particularly as an intermediate in the production of carbamazepine. Plays a key role in pharmaceutical manufacturing for treating epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and certain types of neuropathic pain. Its structure allows for derivatization into active pharmaceutical ingredients that modulate sodium channels in nerve cells, helping control electrical activity in the brain. Also utilized in research settings for developing new central nervous system agents.