Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of biologically active compounds where stereochemistry plays a critical role. Its ester-protected carboxylate and free amine functionalities (as the oxalate salt) make it suitable for peptide-like structures and heterocyclic scaffolds. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for constructing protease inhibitors, CNS agents, and other drug candidates requiring high enantiomeric purity. The oxalate salt form enhances stability and crystallinity, facilitating handling and purification during multi-step syntheses.