Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of enantiomerically pure active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Its structure allows for selective functionalization in multi-step organic syntheses, especially in central nervous system agents and receptor-targeted drugs. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis due to the presence of a stereogenic center, enabling high enantioselectivity in final drug candidates. Also utilized in the preparation of protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules where stereochemistry plays a critical role in efficacy and safety.