Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. Its enantiomerically pure structure makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, where it helps control stereochemistry in complex drug molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors due to its structural similarity to known bioactive motifs. Also utilized in research settings for developing novel psychotropic compounds and as an intermediate in the production of optically active indane derivatives.