Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It plays an important role in the development of antidepressant and central nervous system-acting drugs due to its stereochemical purity and structural compatibility with bioactive molecules. Its fluorinated indane scaffold enhances metabolic stability and binding affinity in target compounds. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis routes where the (S)-configuration is essential for desired biological activity.