(S)-1-benzylpiperidine-2-carboxylic acid finds its primary application in the field of medicinal chemistry as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds. It is particularly valuable in the development of drugs targeting the central nervous system, where its structural framework can be modified to enhance binding affinity to specific receptors or enzymes. Additionally, this compound is utilized in the preparation of chiral catalysts, which are essential in asymmetric synthesis to produce enantiomerically pure substances. Its role in organic synthesis extends to the creation of complex molecules for research and industrial purposes, contributing to advancements in drug discovery and material science.