This compound is primarily utilized in the field of organic synthesis, particularly as a chiral building block for the preparation of more complex molecules. Its structure, featuring a benzyl group and a methoxycarbonyl moiety, makes it valuable in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. It is often employed in asymmetric synthesis to introduce chirality into target molecules, which is crucial for the development of enantiomerically pure drugs. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in the production of fine chemicals and specialty materials, where precise control over stereochemistry is required. Its applications also extend to research settings, where it is used to study enzymatic reactions and develop novel synthetic methodologies.