Used primarily in the synthesis of psychoactive pharmaceuticals, particularly as an intermediate in the production of tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and imipramine. Its structure serves as a core scaffold for compounds that modulate neurotransmitter reuptake in the central nervous system. It is also employed in research settings to develop novel analogs for treating neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Additionally, derivatives of this compound are explored for their potential anticonvulsant and antipsychotic activities.