Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with central nervous system activity. It serves as a building block for drugs targeting psychiatric and neurological disorders due to the presence of the piperazine ring, which is commonly found in antipsychotics and antidepressants. Its carboxylic acid functionality allows for easy derivatization, enabling the formation of amides or esters in drug design. Also employed in the preparation of novel bioactive molecules in medicinal chemistry research.