Used primarily as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiepileptic and anticonvulsant drugs. It plays an important role in the preparation of certain GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) analogs, where the iodo group allows for further functionalization through cross-coupling reactions such as Suzuki or Heck reactions. Its structural features—particularly the isoxazole ring with a phenyl and methyl substituent—contribute to enhanced metabolic stability and binding affinity in neurologically active compounds. It is also employed in medicinal chemistry research for developing new central nervous system (CNS) agents due to its favorable pharmacokinetic properties and ease of derivatization.