Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, where stereochemical control is critical for drug efficacy. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex heterocyclic systems found in neuroactive and antiviral agents. Also utilized in research settings to develop novel enzyme inhibitors due to its rigid, polycyclic framework that mimics peptide transition states.