Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of certain pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of β-amino acid derivatives with biological activity. It serves as a chiral building block in drug development, especially for compounds targeting neurological and cardiovascular conditions. Its structural similarity to natural amino acids allows incorporation into peptidomimetic molecules, enhancing metabolic stability and receptor selectivity. Also explored in the design of enzyme inhibitors due to its ability to mimic transition states in enzymatic reactions.