Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors. Its chiral structure and functional groups allow for selective binding in active sites of enzymes, making it valuable in creating drugs for viral infections such as hepatitis C. The fluorinated aromatic moiety enhances metabolic stability and bioavailability, while the protecting group facilitates stepwise peptide-like assembly in multi-step organic syntheses. Commonly employed in research settings for designing potent and selective therapeutic agents.