Used as a pharmaceutical intermediate in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) agents. It serves as a chiral building block for the preparation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressant compounds. Its structure allows for the introduction of fluorinated aromatic moieties, which can enhance metabolic stability and binding affinity in target molecules. Commonly employed in research settings for route optimization and scale-up of drug candidates.