Used primarily in pharmaceutical research, this compound serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs, particularly those targeting neurological disorders. It plays a significant role in the development of GABA analogs, which are crucial for treating conditions like epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety. Additionally, it is employed in organic chemistry studies to explore new pathways for creating biologically active molecules. Its application extends to the production of chiral compounds, aiding in the development of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals.