Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of antidiabetic drugs such as DPP-4 inhibitors. The presence of the fluorine atom enhances metabolic stability and influences the molecule's conformation, improving binding affinity to target enzymes. The hydroxyl and carboxylate groups allow for further chemical modifications, enabling the construction of complex active pharmaceutical ingredients. Its stereochemistry is crucial for biological activity, making it valuable in asymmetric synthesis and chiral drug design.