Used in the synthesis of complex peptides and pharmaceutical intermediates, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors. Its functional groups, including the thiol and protected amine, allow for selective coupling and deprotection steps in solid-phase or solution-phase peptide synthesis. The presence of chiral centers enables stereoselective reactions, making it valuable in creating biologically active molecules with high enantiomeric purity. Commonly employed in research settings for designing enzyme inhibitors and bioactive compounds targeting metabolic and infectious diseases.