Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly as a chiral building block in the development of antibiotics and antiviral agents. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, where it helps control the formation of specific enantiomers in active drug components. Also employed in peptide research to modify stability and bioavailability of peptide-based compounds. The hydrochloride salt form enhances solubility and handling in aqueous reaction systems.