Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in pharmaceuticals targeting central nervous system disorders. Its rigid cyclopentane backbone and functional groups make it valuable for designing enzyme inhibitors and receptor agonists. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for developing neuroprotective agents and treatments for neurological diseases due to its ability to mimic natural neurotransmitter structures. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis to introduce stereochemical control in complex molecule construction.