Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of local anesthetics and central nervous system agents. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable in chiral synthesis where specific enantiomeric forms are required for biological activity. Commonly employed in the development of antitussive drugs and as a building block in the preparation of more complex amine-containing molecules. Also utilized in research settings for asymmetric synthesis and catalysis due to its structural rigidity and functional group compatibility.