Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules. Its protected amine and carboxylic acid functionalities make it suitable for peptide coupling and solid-phase peptide synthesis. Commonly employed in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors where stereochemistry plays a critical role in biological activity. Also utilized in the synthesis of unnatural amino acids and peptidomimetics for drug discovery research.