Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of neuroactive compounds. Its structural features make it valuable in creating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs that can modulate central nervous system activity. Commonly employed in research for designing drugs targeting epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and other neurological disorders due to its ability to interact with GABA receptors and influence neuronal excitability. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis where the stereochemistry plays a critical role in biological activity.