Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require functionalized piperidine rings. Its chloromethyl group allows for further alkylation or coupling reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of central nervous system (CNS) agents, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cognitive enhancers. Also utilized in the creation of agrochemicals and specialty chemicals where a protected piperidine scaffold is needed. The tert-butyl carbamate (Boc) protection ensures stability during multi-step syntheses and allows for selective deprotection under mild acidic conditions.