Used primarily in pharmaceutical research, this compound serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various bioactive molecules. It is particularly valuable in the development of drugs targeting neurological disorders due to its structural similarity to certain neurotransmitters. Additionally, it plays a role in the preparation of chiral catalysts, which are essential in asymmetric synthesis for producing enantiomerically pure compounds. Its hydrochloride form enhances solubility, making it more suitable for use in aqueous reaction environments.