Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of analgesics and antitussive agents. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable for creating enantiomerically pure drugs, improving efficacy and reducing side effects. Commonly employed in the preparation of opioid receptor ligands and other central nervous system-active compounds. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis and as a resolving agent for racemic mixtures in medicinal chemistry.