Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of anxiolytic and sedative pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of imidazopyridine-based drugs like zolpidem. Its structure supports binding to benzodiazepine receptors in the central nervous system, making it valuable in creating medications for insomnia and anxiety disorders. Also employed in medicinal chemistry research to design new bioactive molecules due to its favorable pharmacokinetic properties and ease of functionalization.