Used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, particularly in the development of serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists. Serves as a building block in the preparation of bioactive molecules and heterocyclic compounds for medicinal chemistry research. Commonly employed in the creation of indole-based drug candidates due to its functionalized structure that supports further chemical modifications. Also utilized in the study of central nervous system disorders and in the design of compounds with potential antidepressant or anxiolytic activity.