Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) agents. Its structure supports the creation of compounds with activity as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, making it valuable in antidepressant drug research. The compound's piperidine and ester functionalities allow for easy modification in medicinal chemistry, enabling the optimization of pharmacokinetic properties such as bioavailability and metabolic stability. It is also employed in the preparation of selective receptor modulators for neurological disorders.