Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active agents. It serves as a building block for antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytic drugs due to its structural similarity to bioactive piperazine derivatives. Its hydroxyl group allows for easy modification, enabling the creation of novel compounds with improved pharmacokinetic properties. Also employed in research settings to explore structure-activity relationships in receptor binding studies, especially for serotonin and dopamine receptors.