Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) drugs. It serves as a building block for compounds exhibiting anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic activities. Its structure allows for easy modification to enhance binding affinity to GABA receptors, making it valuable in the design of novel neuroactive drugs. Also employed in medicinal chemistry research for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies targeting benzodiazepine-like effects with improved safety profiles.