Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of indole-based pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of serotonin receptor modulators and other central nervous system agents. Its structure allows for selective functionalization at multiple sites, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex heterocyclic compounds. Commonly employed in cross-coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Heck reactions, to introduce aryl or vinyl groups, facilitating the creation of diverse indole derivatives for biological screening. Also utilized in the preparation of tryptamine analogs and natural product syntheses where halogenated indole scaffolds are required.