Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of peptide-based drugs. Its protected amine group (Boc) and free carboxylic acid allow for selective coupling reactions, making it valuable in solid-phase peptide synthesis. The (R)-enantiomer specificity supports stereoselective synthesis, important for drugs where chirality affects biological activity. Commonly employed in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and bioactive molecules requiring defined stereochemistry.