Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules and drug candidates. Its structure allows for selective modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs with potential neurological, metabolic, or anti-inflammatory activity. Commonly employed in research settings to build piperazine-based derivatives that can cross cell membranes effectively due to enhanced lipophilicity. Also utilized in the preparation of protease inhibitors and receptor modulators in early-stage drug discovery.