Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require functionalized piperidine scaffolds. Its nitrile group allows for further chemical transformations, enabling the construction of complex heterocyclic structures. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for drug discovery programs targeting central nervous system disorders and metabolic diseases. Also utilized in the preparation of specialty chemicals where a protected piperidine with an activated methylene group is required.