Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active compounds. Its structure supports the creation of potent receptor modulators, especially for dopamine and sigma receptors, making it valuable in research for antipsychotic and cognitive-enhancing drugs. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its rigid piperidine core and functionalized ester group, which allow for easy derivatization. Also utilized in the preparation of fluorinated analogs to improve metabolic stability and bioavailability in drug candidates.