Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents and analgesics. Its structure allows for the introduction of methylamino and ester functionalities, which are common in bioactive molecules. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for constructing more complex molecules through amide coupling or reduction reactions. Also utilized in the preparation of selective receptor ligands due to its ability to mimic phenylalkylamine scaffolds found in neurotransmitters.