Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of nootropic drugs such as piracetam and related racetam family compounds. Its pyrrolidone structure with a reactive ketone and ester group allows for selective chemical modifications, making it valuable in developing cognitive enhancers. The (R)-enantiomer is preferred in some syntheses due to higher biological activity or better metabolic stability in the final drug product. Commonly employed in research settings for developing neuroprotective agents and compounds targeting neurological disorders.