This compound is primarily utilized in the synthesis of complex organic molecules, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of various bioactive compounds, including potential drug candidates. Its structural features, such as the piperidine ring and hydroxyl group, make it valuable for constructing molecules with specific stereochemistry, which is crucial for developing drugs with targeted biological activity. Additionally, it is employed in research settings for studying chemical reactions involving chiral centers and for optimizing synthetic pathways in medicinal chemistry.