Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents and enzyme inhibitors. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable for asymmetric synthesis, where it helps control the formation of specific enantiomers in drug molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of bioactive compounds requiring high enantiomeric purity, including certain antidepressants and neuroprotective agents. Also utilized in the design of peptidomimetics and as a ligand in catalytic reactions.