Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients, particularly in the development of nootropic and central nervous system agents. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable for creating enantiomerically pure drugs. Commonly employed in the preparation of racetam-class cognitive enhancers, where the (S)-enantiomer contributes to improved metabolic stability and receptor selectivity. Also utilized in peptidomimetic research to modify peptide properties such as bioavailability and enzymatic degradation resistance.