Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active ingredients where stereochemistry plays a critical role in biological activity. Its functional groups—amine and alcohol—allow for versatile chemical modifications, making it valuable in creating intermediates for drugs targeting the central nervous system and cardiovascular diseases. Also employed in the preparation of asymmetric catalysts and ligands for enantioselective synthesis. Its structural similarity to certain neurotransmitters enhances its utility in medicinal chemistry research.