Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nicotinic receptor ligands and central nervous system agents. It serves as a building block for alkylating agents in medicinal chemistry due to the reactivity of the chloroethyl group. Also employed in the preparation of pyridinium salts used in neurological research. Its hydrochloride form enhances solubility and stability in aqueous reaction environments, making it suitable for use in controlled organic synthesis.