Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. It serves as a building block for bioactive molecules due to its morpholine core, which is commonly found in drugs with neuroactive, antipsychotic, or cognitive-enhancing properties. Its ester functionality allows for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship studies. Also employed in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands in research settings.