Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of peptide-based drugs and enzyme inhibitors. Its protected amino and carboxylic acid functional groups allow for selective coupling reactions, making it valuable in solid-phase peptide synthesis. Commonly employed in the preparation of bioactive molecules where stereochemistry is critical for activity. Also utilized in the production of intermediates for protease inhibitors and other therapeutic agents targeting metabolic and neurological disorders.