Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents and analgesics. Its structure provides a rigid cyclohexane backbone with functional groups positioned to enhance binding selectivity in bioactive molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Also utilized in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship studies due to its stereochemical stability and ability to mimic peptide bonds in constrained analogs.