Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require functionalized piperidine moieties. Its hydroxyl and hydroxymethyl groups allow for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in creating drug candidates with enhanced solubility or binding properties. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for building blocks in central nervous system agents and receptor modulators. Also utilized in the preparation of prodrugs and protective group strategies due to the stability and selective deprotection of the Boc-protected piperidine structure.