Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related central nervous system agents. Its chiral structure makes it valuable for constructing enantiomerically pure drug candidates. Commonly employed in research settings for optimizing synthetic routes to bioactive molecules, especially those targeting neurological disorders. Also utilized in the preparation of labeled compounds for metabolic studies due to its stability and reactivity profile.