Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nicotinic receptor agonists and antagonists. It serves as a building block in the development of drugs targeting neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Its aldehyde and ester functional groups allow for versatile chemical modifications, enabling the formation of complex heterocyclic structures. Also employed in the preparation of catalysts and ligands for metal-catalyzed reactions in organic synthesis.