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 stereochemistry plays a critical role in drug efficacy. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex heterocyclic systems found in central nervous system agents and antiviral drugs. Also utilized in research settings for scaffold development in drug discovery due to its rigid, polycyclic framework and functional handles for further modification.