Used in pharmaceutical synthesis as a chiral building block for the development of bioactive molecules, particularly in the production of neurologically active drugs. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable in creating enantioselective compounds, often applied in the research and development of central nervous system agents, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. Also employed in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators due to its structural similarity to natural neurotransmitters. Commonly used in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.