Used as a key chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the preparation of protease inhibitors and other biologically active molecules. Its epoxide functionality allows for selective ring-opening reactions, enabling the construction of complex stereochemically defined structures. Commonly employed in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents due to its ability to mimic peptide bonds and interact with enzyme active sites. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis to introduce functionalized side chains with high enantiomeric purity.