Used in pharmaceutical research as a key intermediate in the synthesis of opioid receptor ligands. It serves as a building block for developing compounds with potential analgesic activity. Its structure allows for modification at both the piperidine and ester moieties, making it valuable in structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. Commonly employed in the development of central nervous system (CNS) agents, particularly those targeting pain management. Also utilized in the preparation of radiolabeled derivatives for receptor binding assays.