Used in pharmaceutical research and development, particularly in the synthesis of chiral compounds for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for therapeutic drugs such as analgesics, sedatives, and antidepressants. Its molecular structure resembles certain neurotransmitters, making its chiral form valuable in creating enantiomerically pure substances crucial for drugs targeting specific biological pathways in the brain. Additionally, it is employed in organic chemistry as a building block for complex molecules, aiding in the study of drug-receptor interactions and the development of new medications for psychiatric and neurological conditions.