Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of central nervous system drugs. Its structural motif supports binding to neurotransmitter transporters, making it valuable in the design of antidepressants and anticonvulsants. The compound's stereochemistry enhances selectivity and potency in biological activity, allowing for lower therapeutic doses and reduced side effects. It is also employed in medicinal chemistry research for structure-activity relationship studies.