Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. It serves as a building block for compounds targeting central nervous system disorders due to its structural compatibility with bioactive molecules. Its amine functionality allows for easy derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating libraries of amine-containing compounds during drug discovery. Also utilized in the preparation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related antidepressants through coupling reactions. The benzyl-protected hydroxyl group enables controlled deprotection, allowing stepwise synthesis in complex molecule assembly.