Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require functionalized piperidine scaffolds. Its protected amine group allows for selective reactions in multi-step organic syntheses, making it valuable in creating potent bioactive molecules. Commonly employed in the production of central nervous system agents, including certain antidepressants and neuroleptics, due to the structural compatibility of the methylaminomethyl piperidine moiety with neurological targets. Also utilized in medicinal chemistry for building blocks in drug discovery programs, especially in the design of receptor agonists and antagonists.