Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active compounds. Its structure supports the creation of potent neuroactive molecules, including those with potential antidepressant, anxiolytic, or analgesic effects. The presence of functional groups—hydroxyl, nitrile, and benzyl—allows for diverse chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex piperidine-based drugs. It is also employed in research settings to explore new pathways in heterocyclic compound design.