Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals. It serves as a building block for compounds targeting central nervous system disorders due to the presence of the piperidine ring, which is common in neuroactive drugs. Its carboxylic acid functionality allows for easy coupling with amines to form amide bonds, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for constructing drug-like molecules. Also employed in the synthesis of receptor ligands and enzyme inhibitors. The hydrochloride salt enhances solubility and stability, beneficial for formulation and biological testing.