Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of neuroactive compounds and nootropics. It serves as an intermediate in creating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs, which are important for modulating neurotransmission. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable for producing enantiomerically pure drugs targeting central nervous system disorders. Also employed in research for designing prodrugs and improving metabolic stability in peptide-based therapeutics.