Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system (CNS) active agents. Its structure supports the design of compounds with enhanced metabolic stability and receptor binding affinity. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for constructing bioactive molecules targeting neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Also utilized in the preparation of fluorinated analogs to improve pharmacokinetic properties like absorption and half-life.