Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of orexin receptor antagonists, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals for sleep disorders such as insomnia. Its structure enables high selectivity and binding affinity to orexin receptors, which regulate wakefulness. Due to its chiral purity, the (R)-enantiomer enhances efficacy and reduces off-target effects in final drug formulations. Commonly employed in late-stage functionalization during API synthesis, it supports improved pharmacokinetic properties in central nervous system-targeted therapeutics.