Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of beta-adrenergic blocking agents, particularly in the production of cardioselective beta-blockers. Its aldehyde and hydroxy-amino functionalities allow for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in pharmaceutical development for hypertension and angina treatments. Commonly employed in reductive amination reactions to introduce amine-containing side chains essential for biological activity. Also utilized in research settings to develop novel analogs with improved pharmacokinetic profiles.