Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active compounds. It serves as a building block for certain GABA receptor modulators and has been explored in the preparation of analogs with potential anxiolytic or anticonvulsant properties. Its structure allows for functionalization at multiple sites, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. Additionally, it is employed in the preparation of chiral catalysts and ligands used in asymmetric synthesis.