Used primarily as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of peptide-based drugs. The tert-butyl and ethyl ester protecting groups allow selective reactivity, making it valuable in solid-phase peptide synthesis. Its hydrochloride salt form enhances stability and solubility during handling. Commonly employed in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and bioactive molecules where stereochemistry is critical. Also utilized in research settings for asymmetric synthesis and the construction of complex organic molecules requiring amino acid derivatives with protected side chains.