Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral agents, particularly in the development of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitors. Its structural features enable strong binding to viral proteins, enhancing the potency of the drug candidate. It is also employed in medicinal chemistry research for optimizing pharmacokinetic properties in new drug entities targeting RNA viruses. The compound's chirality plays a critical role in biological activity, making the (S)-enantiomer preferred in active pharmaceutical ingredients.