This compound is primarily used in organic synthesis as a building block for the preparation of more complex molecules. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of chiral compounds due to its stereospecific (S)-configuration. The tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) protecting group is commonly employed to safeguard the amine functionality during multi-step synthetic processes, allowing for selective reactions at other sites of the molecule. Additionally, its 2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole carboxylic acid structure makes it valuable in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, which are often found in bioactive molecules and drug candidates. Its application is significant in medicinal chemistry for designing and optimizing drug-like properties in therapeutic agents.