Used primarily in pharmaceutical research as a key intermediate in the synthesis of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Its structural features enable efficient binding to serotonin transporters, making it valuable in developing antidepressant agents. The compound's stability and reactivity profile support its use in late-stage functionalization during drug development. It is also employed in structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to optimize potency and metabolic stability in indole-based therapeutics.