Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of serotonin receptor modulators and other neuroactive compounds. Its structure supports the construction of complex indole-based molecules found in drugs targeting central nervous system disorders. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for building blocks in tryptamine and tryptophan-related analogs. Also utilized in research settings for creating fluorescent probes due to the inherent optical properties of the indole scaffold. Its aldehyde group allows for easy functionalization via condensation or reduction reactions, making it valuable in combinatorial chemistry and drug discovery.