Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of anxiolytic and sedative agents. It plays a significant role in the preparation of compounds targeting the central nervous system, especially as a building block in the production of imidazopyridine-based drugs like zolpidem analogs. Its structure enables efficient derivatization for optimizing pharmacokinetic properties in drug design. Commonly employed in research settings for developing novel GABA receptor modulators.