Used in pharmaceutical research as a chiral intermediate for synthesizing biologically active compounds. Its structure supports the development of enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators, particularly in treatments targeting neurological and inflammatory conditions. The naphthalene group enhances binding affinity to hydrophobic pockets in proteins, while the hydroxymethyl and amide functionalities allow further chemical modifications. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis routes where stereochemistry plays a critical role in drug efficacy.