Used primarily in the pharmaceutical industry as a key intermediate in the synthesis of nootropic drugs, particularly racetam-class cognitive enhancers. It plays a critical role in the production of piracetam and related analogs, which are designed to improve cognitive function, memory, and learning capacity. Due to its chiral purity, the (S)-enantiomer ensures higher biological activity and selectivity in the final drug product, contributing to improved efficacy and reduced side effects. It is also investigated for potential use in neuroprotective therapies and treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and stroke recovery.