Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active compounds. Its structure supports the creation of chiral molecules important in drug design, especially for antidepressants and anticonvulsants. The presence of both amino and ester functional groups allows for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex bioactive molecules. Commonly utilized in research settings for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies involving aromatic and halogenated substrates.