Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of antidepressants and central nervous system agents. Its structure allows for selective modification in drug design, making it valuable in creating analogs with improved metabolic stability and receptor binding. Commonly employed in research settings for developing serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Also utilized in the preparation of chiral building blocks for bioactive molecules due to the rigidity imparted by the cyclopropyl ring.