Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of serotonin receptor modulators and other central nervous system agents. Its structure supports the construction of complex indole-based molecules found in bioactive compounds. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs with potential antidepressant, antipsychotic, or anti-migraine activity. Also utilized in the preparation of fluorescent probes and dyes due to the inherent optical properties of the indole scaffold.