This compound is primarily utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of drugs targeting neurological disorders. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of GABA analogs, which are essential for creating medications that manage conditions like epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety. Additionally, its chiral structure makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, enabling the production of enantiomerically pure compounds for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. It is also explored in research for its potential role in designing novel bioactive molecules with applications in medicinal chemistry.