Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of beta-blockers, which are medications for cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and arrhythmias. It serves as a building block for compounds with adrenergic receptor blocking activity. Its chlorohydrin structure and protected amine group allow selective reactions in multi-step organic syntheses. Commonly employed in research and development of active pharmaceutical ingredients where controlled substitution and chiral purity are important.