Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. Its structural features make it valuable in creating enantioselective compounds, especially in the production of certain antidepressants and antiviral drugs. The presence of both amine and alcohol functional groups allows for versatile chemical modifications, facilitating its incorporation into complex bioactive molecules. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis routes where stereochemistry plays a critical role in drug efficacy.