Used primarily in pharmaceutical research, this compound serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). It is particularly valuable in the development of drugs targeting neurological disorders, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, due to its structural similarity to neurotransmitters. Additionally, it plays a role in the production of chiral compounds, where its stereochemistry is leveraged to create enantiomerically pure substances. Its application extends to preclinical studies, where it aids in understanding drug-receptor interactions and optimizing therapeutic efficacy.