Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active compounds. It serves as a building block for novel bioactive molecules due to its structural similarity to known neuroactive scaffolds. Its derivatives are explored for potential antipsychotic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic activities. Also employed in medicinal chemistry research for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies involving heterocyclic piperidine analogs.