Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of opioid receptor modulators and central nervous system agents. Its structure allows for selective modification of piperidine-based compounds, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs with improved bioavailability and receptor specificity. Commonly employed in solid-phase and solution-phase peptide-like synthesis due to the orthogonal protection of the piperidine nitrogen with Cbz, which can be easily removed under mild conditions. Also utilized in the preparation of protease inhibitors and receptor ligands where a functionalized piperidine scaffold is required.