Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require piperidine derivatives. The Boc-protected piperidine nitrogen and the acetamido group (-NHCOCH₃) at the 4-position provide orthogonal protection, enabling selective reactions and deprotections in multi-step organic syntheses. This makes it valuable in drug discovery and development. Commonly employed in the preparation of central nervous system agents, including analgesics and neuroactive compounds. Also utilized in research settings for building complex molecules where controlled functionalization of the piperidine ring is needed.