Used primarily as a pharmaceutical intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. Its rigid bicyclic structure makes it valuable in medicinal chemistry for mimicking peptide conformations and enhancing metabolic stability in drug candidates. It is also employed in the preparation of chiral catalysts and ligands for asymmetric synthesis, contributing to the production of enantiomerically pure drugs. The hydrochloride salt form improves solubility and handling in aqueous and polar organic solvents during synthetic processes.