Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other biologically active molecules. Its hydroxyl and carboxylic acid functional groups allow for selective derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex ring systems. Commonly employed in the preparation of peptidomimetics and enzyme inhibitors where stereochemistry plays a critical role in biological activity. The Boc-protected amine ensures stability during multi-step syntheses and enables controlled deprotection for further coupling reactions.