Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of selective kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment. It serves as a building block in the preparation of bioactive molecules targeting neurological disorders due to its structural similarity to serotonin. Also employed in the design of fluorescent probes for biochemical imaging, leveraging its electron-withdrawing nitrile and fluorine groups to enhance photostability and signal clarity. Commonly utilized in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies involving indole-based drug candidates.