Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of anxiolytic and sedative agents. It serves as a building block for compounds targeting GABA receptors, making it valuable in central nervous system drug research. Its structure allows for easy functionalization, enabling the creation of diverse derivatives for structure-activity relationship studies. Also employed in the preparation of kinase inhibitors and antimicrobial agents. Widely utilized in medicinal chemistry for lead optimization in drug discovery programs.