Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral drugs, particularly in the production of protease inhibitors. Its chiral structure and functional groups enable selective binding and high efficacy in inhibiting viral replication. Commonly employed in pharmaceutical research for developing treatments against viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C. The hydroxy and carboxylic acid groups facilitate coupling reactions, while the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group acts as a protecting group in peptide-like synthesis, allowing controlled stepwise assembly of complex molecules.