Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of centrally acting agents such as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Its rigid aromatic structure and defined stereochemistry make it valuable for designing bioactive molecules with high target selectivity. Commonly employed in the preparation of drug candidates for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis to introduce chirality in complex molecule construction.