Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of antidiabetic drugs, particularly in the production of DPP-4 inhibitors like sitagliptin. Its stereochemistry plays a critical role in enhancing the drug’s potency and selectivity. The presence of the trifluoromethyl group improves metabolic stability and binding affinity to the target enzyme. Widely employed in pharmaceutical research and development for optimizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with improved pharmacokinetic profiles.