Used in pharmaceutical research as an intermediate in the synthesis of bioactive compounds, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. Shows potential in the design of dopamine or serotonin receptor modulators due to the piperazine moiety, which is commonly found in neuroactive drugs. Also explored in the preparation of antipsychotic and antidepressant candidates. Its ester group allows for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship studies.