Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where stereochemistry plays a critical role. Its structure allows for selective transformations in asymmetric synthesis, making it valuable in the development of enantiomerically pure drugs. Commonly employed in the preparation of β-amino acids and peptide mimetics due to the presence of both amide and nitrile functional groups. Also utilized in the manufacture of protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules where the (S)-configuration is essential for biological activity.