Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other biologically active molecules. Its protected amine and carboxylic acid functionalities make it suitable for peptide coupling reactions, allowing incorporation into larger peptide structures. The stereochemistry at the chiral center is valuable for ensuring desired biological activity in final drug compounds. Commonly employed in research settings for the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship studies.