Used primarily in pharmaceutical research as an intermediate in the synthesis of antihistamines and psychoactive drugs. It exhibits affinity for central nervous system receptors, making it valuable in developing compounds targeting anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Its structure supports modification for enhanced blood-brain barrier penetration, useful in designing neuroactive agents. Also employed in creating ligands for receptor binding studies due to its stable piperazine core and functionalizable acetic acid group.