Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents and antidepressants. Its trifluoromethylphenyl group enhances metabolic stability and lipophilicity, improving drug penetration across biological membranes. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis to introduce stereochemistry in active pharmaceutical ingredients. Also utilized in the preparation of selective enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators due to its structural and electronic properties.