Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of protease inhibitors such as those used in antiviral therapies. Its stereochemistry allows for selective binding in enzyme active sites, making it valuable in the development of drugs targeting HIV and hepatitis C. The Boc-protected amine and carboxylic acid functionality enable stepwise peptide coupling, facilitating its incorporation into complex peptide-based molecules. Commonly employed in research and industrial settings for solid-phase and solution-phase peptide synthesis.