Used primarily as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system (CNS) active agents. Its structural features allow for effective binding interactions in neurochemical pathways, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing drug candidates targeting depression, anxiety, and related disorders. The compound's piperidine core and substituted benzyl group facilitate high affinity for specific neurotransmitter receptors, enhancing its utility in drug design. It is also employed in research settings for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to improve pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of new therapeutic molecules.