Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of local anesthetics like levobupivacaine. Its stereochemistry plays a critical role in enhancing the safety and efficacy of the final drug product. The compound is valued in asymmetric synthesis due to its stable chiral center, enabling selective formation of biologically active enantiomers. It is also employed in research settings for developing new bioactive molecules and optimizing synthetic routes in medicinal chemistry.