Used primarily in research settings as a key intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly those targeting the central nervous system. Its structural features make it valuable in developing potential pharmaceuticals for neurological disorders, including depression and anxiety. The compound's ability to interact with neurotransmitter transporters allows it to serve as a scaffold in the design of selective inhibitors for serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine reuptake, which are important mechanisms in antidepressant and stimulant drugs. Additionally, it has been explored in the development of radiolabeled derivatives for use in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to study brain receptor distribution and function.