Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules and drug candidates. Its structure supports the introduction of functional groups useful in medicinal chemistry, especially in creating chiral centers for optimizing biological activity. Commonly employed in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators due to the stability and steric properties provided by the tert-butyl and hydroxyethyl groups. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis and as a building block in the construction of nitrogen-containing heterocycles for drug discovery programs.