1-(Methylsulfonyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid finds its primary application in the field of medicinal chemistry, where it serves as a valuable intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds. Its structure is particularly useful in the development of drugs targeting neurological disorders, as it can be incorporated into molecules designed to interact with specific receptors in the brain. Additionally, this compound is utilized in the creation of protease inhibitors, which are crucial in the treatment of viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis C. Its sulfonyl and carboxylic acid functional groups make it a versatile building block for modifying drug candidates to enhance their pharmacokinetic properties, such as solubility and bioavailability. Researchers also employ it in the synthesis of small molecule libraries for high-throughput screening, aiding in the discovery of new therapeutic agents.