Used in pharmaceutical research as a key intermediate in the synthesis of bioactive compounds, particularly those targeting neurological and inflammatory pathways. Its structure supports the development of novel therapeutics due to its ability to cross biological membranes and interact with enzyme active sites. Commonly employed in the preparation of pyrrolizidine-based analogs for structure-activity relationship studies. Also utilized in the design of prodrugs where the hydroxymethyl group enables further chemical modification for improved solubility or targeted delivery.