Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of chiral active ingredients for central nervous system medications. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, where the (R)-enantiomer contributes to selective biological activity. Commonly employed in the development of antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs due to its ability to influence receptor binding affinity. Also utilized in research settings for the preparation of structurally complex amines and in the optimization of drug candidates requiring specific enantiomeric purity.