Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. Its structural features make it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, where the (R)-enantiomer contributes to stereoselective reactions. Commonly employed in the preparation of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, it plays a role in optimizing the pharmacokinetic profile of active drug substances. Also utilized in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its amine and thioether functionalities.