Used as an intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, particularly in the production of bioactive molecules and drug candidates. Its structure allows for easy functionalization, making it valuable in the development of kinase inhibitors and central nervous system agents. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for constructing piperazine-based compounds with potential antipsychotic, antidepressant, or anticancer activity. Also utilized in the preparation of fluorescent probes and imaging agents due to the aldehyde group's reactivity toward labeling strategies.