This compound is primarily used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the production of drugs that target the central nervous system. It serves as a key intermediate in the creation of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) analogs, which are essential for developing medications for neurological disorders such as epilepsy, anxiety, and insomnia. Additionally, it is utilized in research settings to study the biochemical pathways involving GABA, aiding in the understanding of neurotransmission and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Its role in organic synthesis also extends to the preparation of chiral compounds, which are crucial in the manufacture of enantiomerically pure drugs.