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, anxiolytic, or anti-migraine activity. Also utilized in research settings to develop fluorescent probes and biochemical tools due to the inherent photophysical properties of the indole scaffold.