Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals. It serves as a building block for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) due to its piperidinone core, which is common in central nervous system (CNS) agents. Commonly employed in the preparation of analgesics, cognitive enhancers, and psychiatric medications. Also utilized in research settings for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies involving nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Its ketone functionality allows for further chemical modifications such as reductive amination or nucleophilic addition, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry.