Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of nootropic agents and central nervous system stimulants. It serves as a building block for compounds targeting cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection. Its structure supports the design of molecules with improved blood-brain barrier permeability, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating drugs that act on neurological pathways. Also explored in research for potential use in treating neurodegenerative disorders due to its pyrrolidone backbone, which is commonly found in cognition-enhancing drugs.