Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of indole-based drugs. Its aldehyde group allows for further functionalization through reactions like reductive amination or Wittig reactions, enabling the construction of complex molecular structures. The Boc-protected amine ensures stability during reactions and can be selectively deprotected to introduce amine functionalities later in the synthesis. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for creating libraries of bioactive molecules and in the preparation of serotonin receptor modulators.