Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of centrally acting agents. Its structure supports the creation of bioactive molecules due to the presence of functional groups amenable to further modification—such as the aminomethyl and hydroxyl groups—within a constrained piperidine framework. This makes it valuable in medicinal chemistry for designing drugs targeting neurological and psychiatric disorders. Commonly employed in the preparation of selective receptor modulators, including those acting on serotonin, dopamine, and sigma receptors. Also utilized in the production of kinase inhibitors and other therapeutic agents requiring a rigid, substituted piperidine core for optimal binding and selectivity.