Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of antiviral and antitumor agents. Its structure allows for selective reactions in asymmetric synthesis, making it valuable in creating enantiomerically pure compounds. Commonly employed in the development of protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules where stereochemistry plays a critical role in activity. Also utilized in the preparation of natural product analogs and in medicinal chemistry research for building complex molecular frameworks.