Used primarily as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other biologically active molecules. Its structure allows for strong hydrogen bonding and improved binding affinity to enzyme active sites, making it valuable in drug design. Commonly employed in the preparation of guanidine-containing analogs for research in antiviral and cardiovascular therapies. Also utilized in medicinal chemistry for scaffold modification to enhance metabolic stability and bioavailability of lead compounds.