Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a building block for heterocyclic compounds due to the reactivity of the acetyl and lactam functional groups. Commonly employed in the development of bioactive molecules, including central nervous system agents and enzyme inhibitors. Its structure mimics natural alkaloids, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for designing drug candidates. Also utilized in research for the synthesis of substituted piperidines and pyrrolidones.