Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs. These analogs are important in the development of drugs for treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety. The compound's structure allows for modification into bioactive molecules that can cross the blood-brain barrier. It is also employed in research settings to study metabolic pathways and enzyme inhibition.