Used as an intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) requiring piperidine-based scaffolds. Its hydroxyl and carboxylate functionalities allow for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in creating drug candidates targeting central nervous system disorders. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its ability to enhance solubility and bioavailability in lead compounds. Also utilized in the preparation of prodrugs and functionalized peptides.