Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals targeting neurological disorders. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in creating enantiomerically pure drugs, where the (S)-configuration is essential for desired activity. Commonly employed in peptide-based drug design due to the presence of a protected amino functional group and a free carboxylic acid, allowing for selective coupling reactions at the carboxylic acid. The unprotected aminomethyl group in the side chain enables further derivatization. Also utilized in the preparation of protease inhibitors and receptor agonists/antagonists, especially in research focused on CNS-related therapeutics.