Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents and analgesics. It serves as a building block for drugs targeting neurological disorders due to its structural similarity to neurotransmitters. Also employed in the preparation of selective receptor ligands for research in pain management and psychiatric conditions. Its benzyl and piperidine groups make it valuable in medicinal chemistry for enhancing binding affinity and bioavailability in drug candidates.