This chemical is primarily utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) drugs. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of substances that target neurological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Its structure allows it to interact with neurotransmitter systems, making it valuable for creating drugs that modulate serotonin, dopamine, and other critical brain chemicals. Additionally, it is used in research settings to study receptor binding and signal transduction pathways, aiding in the discovery of new therapeutic agents. Its role in organic synthesis also extends to the preparation of chiral compounds, where its stereochemistry is leveraged to produce enantiomerically pure substances.