Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents and cognitive enhancers. Its structure supports the creation of compounds with neuroactive properties, making it valuable in research for nootropic and neuroprotective drugs. Also employed in the preparation of chiral building blocks for medicinal chemistry, where its ester and lactam functionalities allow for selective modifications. Commonly utilized in organic synthesis for constructing complex heterocyclic systems found in bioactive molecules.