Used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, particularly in the production of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system agents. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis where stereochemistry is critical for biological activity. Commonly employed in the development of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs due to its role as a chiral building block. Also utilized in research settings for enantioselective catalysis and the preparation of bioactive molecules requiring high enantiomeric purity.