Used primarily in pharmaceutical research, this compound serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various biologically active molecules. Its structure, featuring a chiral center and a nitro group, makes it valuable for developing enantioselective drugs, particularly in the field of central nervous system disorders. It is also employed in the preparation of ligands for asymmetric catalysis, aiding in the production of optically pure compounds. Additionally, its nitro group can be reduced to an amine, enabling further functionalization for the creation of diverse chemical entities.