Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents and receptor modulators. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs with enhanced biological activity. Commonly employed in the preparation of serotonin and dopamine receptor ligands due to the electron-withdrawing properties of the halogen substituents, which influence binding affinity. Also utilized in the construction of fused ring systems found in bioactive molecules and in the optimization of drug candidates for improved metabolic stability.