Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active ingredients for central nervous system (CNS) drugs. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable for creating enantiomerically pure compounds, improving drug efficacy and reducing side effects. Commonly employed in the preparation of protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules where structural rigidity and defined stereochemistry are critical. Also utilized in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its stable piperidine scaffold and functional handles for further derivatization.