Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of indole-based drugs targeting neurological and inflammatory conditions. Its carboxylic acid functional group allows for easy derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating amides, esters, and other bioactive molecules. Commonly employed in research settings to design serotonin receptor modulators and kinase inhibitors. Also utilized in the preparation of analogs for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to the stability and reactivity of the indole scaffold.