Used in pharmaceutical research as a building block for the synthesis of various bioactive compounds. It serves as a key intermediate in the development of drugs targeting neurological disorders, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. The trifluoromethyl group enhances the metabolic stability and bioavailability of the resulting molecules. Additionally, it is employed in organic synthesis to introduce the piperidine moiety, which is a common structural feature in many therapeutic agents. Its hydrochloride form ensures better solubility and handling in laboratory settings.