2-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)acetic acid is primarily used in the field of medicinal chemistry as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds. Its structure is particularly valuable in the development of drugs targeting the central nervous system, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants. The compound's piperidine moiety is often utilized to enhance the binding affinity to specific receptors in the brain, making it a crucial building block in the design of neuroactive agents. Additionally, it is employed in the preparation of ligands for receptor studies, aiding in the understanding of neurological pathways and the development of therapeutic interventions. Its versatility also extends to the synthesis of small molecules for research in drug discovery and development.