Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system active agents. Its functional groups allow for sequential transformations, enabling the construction of complex bioactive molecules. Commonly employed in research and development settings for optimizing drug candidates requiring aromatic ketone and amide functionalities. Also utilized in the preparation of analogs for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its derivatizable sites.