Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) agents and antidepressants. Its piperidine backbone with a trifluoromethyl group enhances metabolic stability and lipophilicity, improving blood-brain barrier penetration. The Boc-protected amine allows for selective deprotection and further functionalization in multi-step syntheses. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its stereochemical rigidity and ability to mimic bioactive conformations.