Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require functionalized piperidine scaffolds. Its protected amine group allows for selective reactions in multi-step organic syntheses, making it valuable in creating potent central nervous system agents, analgesics, and receptor modulators. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to the steric and electronic properties imparted by the methyl and aminomethyl groups. Also utilized in the preparation of drug candidates where controlled release or improved metabolic stability is desired.