Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for central nervous system (CNS) drugs. Its structure supports the creation of complex molecules used in neurodegenerative disease treatments and psychiatric medications. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for building pyrrolidone-based scaffolds, which are known to enhance bioavailability and receptor selectivity. Also utilized in research settings for designing enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators due to its favorable ring conformation and functional group arrangement.