Used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, particularly as a starting material for drugs featuring a dihydrobenzofuran structure, related to treating nervous system disorders such as depression or modulating neurotransmitters. Its chiral structure makes it valuable for producing enantiomerically pure drugs with specific biological activity and reduced side effects. The hydroxy and carboxylic acid functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, enabling integration into complex molecules with high biological activity. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis and fine chemical manufacturing for therapeutic agents.