Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active compounds. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in creating enantiomerically pure drugs, especially those targeting neurological disorders. It serves as a building block for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs, which are explored for anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties. Also employed in medicinal chemistry research to design novel ligands for neurotransmitter receptors.