Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of centrally acting agents such as analgesics and neuromodulators. Its piperidine core with hydroxyl and hydroxymethyl functional groups allows for selective modifications, making it valuable in constructing bioactive molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of opioid receptor ligands and other CNS-targeted drugs due to its favorable stereochemistry and protective group strategy. The tert-butyl carbamate (Boc) group ensures stability during synthesis and enables controlled deprotection for further coupling reactions.