Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of centrally acting agents such as analgesics and neuropsychiatric drugs. Its structural features make it valuable in creating compounds that interact with neurotransmitter receptors or ion channels in the central nervous system. Commonly employed in the preparation of opioid receptor modulators and other bioactive molecules where stereochemistry influences activity. Also utilized in medicinal chemistry research for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its chiral centers and functional group compatibility.