Used primarily as a pharmaceutical intermediate in the synthesis of nicotinic receptor ligands, this compound plays a key role in developing treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. Its tetrahydrobipyridine structure supports the creation of molecules that modulate neurotransmitter activity, particularly acetylcholine receptors in the brain. It is also employed in research settings to explore cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection. Additionally, its bipyridine-like framework makes it useful as a ligand in metal-catalyzed reactions, such as those forming carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen bonds. Due to its reactivity and functional groups, it serves as a building block in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex heterocyclic systems, including pyridone and pyridine derivatives, found in bioactive molecules.