Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. Its structure supports the formation of bioactive molecules due to the presence of both amine and hydroxyl functional groups in a stereochemically defined arrangement. Commonly employed in the preparation of antidepressants and anxiolytic drugs where the (S)-enantiomer exhibits desired biological activity. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis and as a ligand precursor in catalytic reactions.