Used primarily in pharmaceutical research, this compound serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various therapeutic agents. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in the development of enantiomerically pure drugs, particularly those targeting the central nervous system. It is often employed in the production of compounds with potential antidepressant or anxiolytic properties. Additionally, it can be utilized in organic synthesis to create more complex molecules with specific biological activities. Researchers also explore its role in studying receptor interactions and neurotransmitter modulation due to its structural similarity to certain bioactive amines.