This compound is primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as a chiral building block for the synthesis of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Its enantiomeric purity makes it valuable in the production of drugs that require specific stereochemistry to achieve desired therapeutic effects. It is often employed in the development of central nervous system (CNS) drugs, including antidepressants and antipsychotics, where the (R)-enantiomer can enhance efficacy and reduce side effects. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the creation of complex molecules for medicinal chemistry research. Its role in asymmetric synthesis is also notable, as it aids in the preparation of optically pure compounds for further pharmaceutical applications.