Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) requiring high enantiomeric purity. Its hydroxy ester functionality allows for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in constructing complex molecules. Commonly employed in the development of central nervous system (CNS) agents and cardiovascular drugs due to its ability to influence stereochemistry in drug design. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis routes where the (S)-enantiomer provides desired biological activity.