Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and peptide-based drugs. Its protected amine and carboxylic acid functionalities make it suitable for solid-phase peptide synthesis and solution-phase coupling reactions. The stereochemistry at the alpha carbon ensures high enantioselectivity in final active compounds, which is critical for biological activity and drug efficacy. Commonly employed in the preparation of intermediates for antiviral and anticancer agents.