Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of β-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins and cephalosporins. It serves as a key intermediate in asymmetric synthesis due to its optical activity, enabling the formation of stereospecific compounds. Also employed in the development of enzyme inhibitors and peptidomimetic drugs. Its amide group facilitates coupling reactions in peptide-like structures, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for designing bioactive molecules.