Used primarily in the development of pharmaceutical intermediates, especially in the synthesis of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Its chiral structure makes it valuable in creating enantiomerically pure drugs for treating depression and anxiety disorders. Commonly employed in research settings to optimize catalytic asymmetric reactions and improve yield and stereochemical purity in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Also utilized in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and receptor agonists due to its ability to mimic peptide motifs in biological systems.