Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly as an intermediate in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for drugs targeting central nervous system disorders. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in developing enantioselective medications, where the (S)-enantiomer provides specific biological activity. Commonly found in research and development of antidepressants and anti-Parkinson agents due to its structural similarity to biologically active amines. Also employed in the preparation of peptide mimetics and enzyme inhibitors.