Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of protease inhibitors, particularly in the development of antiviral agents such as HIV protease inhibitors. Its stereochemistry and functional groups allow for selective peptide bond formation and structural mimicry of natural peptide substrates. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex molecules where stereocontrol and protected amino acid motifs are required. Also utilized in solid-phase and solution-phase peptide synthesis due to the stability and ease of deprotection of the benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz) group.