Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of anxiolytic and sedative agents. It serves as a building block in the production of compounds that act as modulators of GABA receptors, which are important in treating central nervous system disorders. Its structure allows for selective derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing drug potency and selectivity. Also employed in the preparation of kinase inhibitors and other biologically active molecules in research settings.