Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. Its structural motif appears in compounds with neuroactive properties, including those targeting dopamine and serotonin receptors. Commonly employed in the preparation of optically active intermediates for drug discovery programs, especially in the design of enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis due to its stereochemical stability and ability to direct enantioselective transformations.