Used primarily as a chemical intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry for the development of psychoactive substances and research compounds. It serves as a precursor in the production of various designer drugs, especially within the class of synthetic opioids and stimulants, due to its structural similarity to known active molecules. Its main application lies in clandestine chemistry, where it is modified to create novel analogs for recreational drug use, though it has no approved medical use. Due to this, it is often monitored in forensic and regulatory contexts.