Used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) drugs. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other neuroactive agents. Its structural properties make it valuable for creating chiral molecules, which are essential in designing drugs with specific biological activity. Additionally, it is employed in research for studying receptor interactions and developing treatments for neurological disorders such as depression and anxiety.