Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. It serves as a building block for alkaloid-like structures, often found in compounds with analgesic, antihypertensive, or neuroactive properties. Its structure allows for easy functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating libraries of bioactive molecules. Also employed in research settings to design enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands due to its rigid, heterocyclic backbone.