Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of nicotinic receptor modulators and central nervous system agents. Its structure allows for functionalization at multiple sites, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs with tailored biological activity. Commonly employed in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds and bioactive molecules where a pyridine core with a hydroxyethyl ester side chain enhances binding affinity or solubility. Also utilized in research settings for library synthesis in drug discovery programs targeting neurological disorders.