Used as a chiral building block in pharmaceutical synthesis, particularly in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients requiring stereoselective structures. Its hydroxyl and amine functionalities allow for versatile chemical modifications, making it valuable in the development of neurologically active compounds and enzyme inhibitors. Commonly employed in the preparation of drugs targeting central nervous system disorders due to its ability to mimic natural neurotransmitter scaffolds. Also utilized in the synthesis of certain antiviral and antidepressant agents where the (R)-configuration is critical for biological activity.