Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) agents. It serves as a building block for drugs targeting neurological disorders due to its structural similarity to bioactive piperidine derivatives. Its functional groups allow for easy modification in multi-step organic syntheses, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs with potential analgesic, antidepressant, or anti-addictive properties. Also explored in research for novel receptor ligands, especially in opioid and dopamine pathways.