Used in the synthesis of β-lactam antibiotics, particularly as a chiral building block for semi-synthetic penicillins and cephalosporins. Its stereochemistry enables the development of more effective and selective antibiotic agents. Also employed in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and pharmaceutical intermediates where enantiomeric purity is critical. Commonly utilized in research settings for developing novel antimicrobial compounds and studying structure-activity relationships in drug design.