Used in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in pharmaceutical research for developing central nervous system agents. It serves as a building block in the preparation of GABA analogs, which are important in the study and treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety. Its structure allows for modification to enhance blood-brain barrier penetration, making it valuable in designing neuroactive drugs. Also employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its flexible backbone and functional groups suitable for derivatization.