Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of central nervous system agents. Its structure allows for selective interactions in asymmetric synthesis, making it valuable in developing enantiomerically pure drugs. Commonly employed in the preparation of antidepressants and antipsychotics due to the presence of the 2-chlorophenyl moiety, which can enhance binding affinity to certain biological targets. The hydrochloride salt form improves stability and solubility, facilitating its use in multi-step organic reactions.