Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nootropic drugs like piracetam and related racetam family compounds. Its protected amine and ketone functional groups allow selective reactions in multi-step organic syntheses. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis due to the stereochemistry at the 3-position of the pyrrolidone ring, enabling the development of enantiomerically pure active pharmaceutical ingredients. Also utilized in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and cognitive enhancers.