Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents and antidepressants. Its enantiomeric purity makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, where it helps induce desired stereochemistry in target molecules. Also employed in the preparation of agrochemicals and fine chemicals requiring specific optical activity. Commonly utilized in research settings for resolving racemic mixtures or as a starting material for chiral ligands in catalysis.