Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of serotonin receptor modulators. Its indole core structure is valuable in medicinal chemistry for constructing bioactive molecules. The tert-butyl carbamate (Boc) group provides protection during peptide or heterocycle synthesis, allowing selective reactions at other functional sites. The hydroxymethyl moiety enables further derivatization, such as esterification or ether formation, making it useful in structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. Commonly employed in research settings for developing central nervous system (CNS) active agents.