Used in pharmaceutical research as an intermediate in the synthesis of bioactive compounds, particularly those targeting the central nervous system. It serves as a building block for developing potential therapeutics in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders due to its structural similarity to neurotransmitters. Also employed in the preparation of isoquinoline-based alkaloid analogs with possible analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or anticancer properties. Its carboxylate ester group allows for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship studies.