Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of anxiolytic and sedative agents. It serves as a building block in the preparation of imidazopyridine-based drugs that act as modulators of GABA receptors. Its structural features allow for high receptor affinity and selectivity, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing drug candidates targeting central nervous system disorders. Also employed in research settings to explore new bioactive molecules and structure-activity relationships within heterocyclic compounds.