Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of amphetamine derivatives and other central nervous system stimulants. It serves as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, enabling the preparation of enantiomerically pure compounds. Also employed in the development of analgesics and anticonvulsant drugs due to its structural similarity to amino acid derivatives. Commonly utilized in research settings for designing novel bioactive molecules and in the preparation of peptidomimetics.