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 for creating biologically active molecules with high specificity. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis and catalysis where stereochemistry plays a critical role in drug efficacy. Also utilized in the preparation of fluorinated analogs to enhance metabolic stability and bioavailability in drug candidates.