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 structure supports the creation of complex molecules with high enantioselectivity, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for drug discovery. Commonly employed in the preparation of protease inhibitors and other therapeutic agents requiring defined spatial orientation of functional groups. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis to introduce hydroxyl and amine functionalities in a controlled manner.