This compound is primarily utilized in pharmacological research as a chiral building block for the synthesis of various biologically active molecules. Its structure makes it valuable in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly those targeting the central nervous system. It is often employed in the study of receptor interactions and neurotransmitter activity, aiding in the design of drugs for conditions like depression, anxiety, and other neurological disorders. Additionally, its chiral nature allows it to serve as a precursor in asymmetric synthesis, contributing to the production of enantiomerically pure compounds with specific therapeutic effects.