This compound is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as a chiral building block or intermediate. It is often employed in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of drugs that require specific stereochemistry for enhanced efficacy. The mesityl group provides steric bulk, which can influence the selectivity of chemical reactions, making it valuable in asymmetric synthesis. Additionally, it is used in the creation of ligands for catalysis, where its structural features can help control the reactivity and selectivity of metal-catalyzed processes. Its hydrochloride form enhances solubility in polar solvents, facilitating its use in various reaction conditions.