Used as a building block in pharmaceutical synthesis, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where its trifunctional alcohol (two hydroxyl groups) and amine allow for selective derivatization. Its rigid piperidine backbone with a hydroxy and a hydroxymethyl group at the 3-position enhances solubility and binding affinity in drug molecules via hydrogen bonding. Commonly employed in the production of central nervous system agents, enzyme inhibitors, and receptor modulators. Also utilized in the synthesis of specialty polymers and ligands for catalysis due to its ability to coordinate with metal centers.