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 hydroxyl functional groups allow selective reactions in multi-step organic syntheses. Commonly employed in the preparation of antiviral and anticancer agents due to its stereochemical purity and compatibility with peptide-like structures. Also utilized in the production of specialty polymers and ligands for asymmetric catalysis.