Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where stereochemistry plays a critical role in biological activity. Its structure supports the formation of peptidomimetics and other nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis due to the presence of a stereogenic center, enabling the production of enantiomerically pure drugs. Also utilized in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators, especially in central nervous system and metabolic disorder therapies. Serves as an intermediate in the manufacture of antiviral and anticancer agents. The hydrochloride salt form enhances stability and solubility in aqueous reaction media, facilitating downstream processing in multi-step syntheses.