Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active compounds. Its structure supports the creation of molecules with potential anxiolytic, antidepressant, or anticonvulsant properties. The carboxylic acid functionality allows for easy derivatization, enabling the formation of amides, esters, or other functional groups important in drug design. It is also employed in medicinal chemistry research to explore structure-activity relationships in heterocyclic compounds targeting neurological disorders.