Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of serotonin receptor modulators and other central nervous system agents. Its functional groups allow for selective derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex molecules. Commonly employed in research settings to construct bioactive compounds with potential antidepressant or anxiolytic activity. Also utilized in the preparation of analogs for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its bromine handle for cross-coupling reactions.