Used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of serotonin receptor modulators and psychoactive drug research. Serves as a building block in the preparation of tryptamine derivatives, which are explored for neurological and psychiatric applications. Also utilized in the synthesis of fluorescent probes and dyes due to its indole backbone, which supports conjugation and light absorption properties. Common in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship studies targeting central nervous system disorders.