Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where stereochemistry plays a critical role in drug efficacy and safety. Commonly found in central nervous system agents, including antidepressants and antipsychotics, due to its structural similarity to endogenous neurotransmitters. Also employed in the preparation of kinase inhibitors and other biologically active molecules in medicinal chemistry research. Its tertiary amine functionality makes it useful in catalysis and as an intermediate in asymmetric synthesis.