Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of centrally acting agents such as analgesics and neuromodulatory drugs. Its structure allows for functionalization at both the nitrile and ester groups, enabling the construction of complex piperidine-based scaffolds common in bioactive molecules. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for the preparation of selective receptor ligands, including those targeting opioid and sigma receptors. Also utilized in the design of enzyme inhibitors due to the rigidity and polarity of the substituted piperidine ring.