Used primarily as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of opioid receptor ligands and analgesic agents. It serves as a structural building block for potent centrally acting pain medications, including some derivatives related to pethidine (meperidine). Its structure allows for modification to enhance binding affinity to opioid receptors, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry research for exploring new analgesics with potentially improved efficacy or reduced side effects. Also utilized in the preparation of reference standards and probes for neuropharmacological studies.