Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds, particularly in the development of indole-based drugs. It serves as a building block in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs with potential anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Commonly employed in research settings to modify indole structures for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. Also utilized in the preparation of plant growth regulators and hormone analogs due to its structural similarity to auxins.