Used primarily as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) agents. It serves as a building block for drug candidates targeting neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and epilepsy. Its structural motif is valuable in medicinal chemistry for modifying pharmacokinetic properties like blood-brain barrier penetration and metabolic stability. Also employed in the preparation of selective receptor modulators, including serotonin and dopamine receptor ligands. Commonly utilized in research settings for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies during early-stage drug discovery.