Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of anti-inflammatory and dermatological agents. It plays a role in the production of roflumilast, a drug used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), due to its ability to inhibit phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). Its structural properties make it valuable in modifying drug potency and selectivity. Also employed in research settings for designing new bioactive molecules and in the optimization of synthetic pathways for complex organic compounds.