Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and antiviral agents. Its structure supports the formation of peptidomimetic compounds, making it valuable in drug discovery for targeting enzyme active sites. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for building blocks in small molecule therapeutics, especially those requiring enhanced metabolic stability and bioavailability. Also utilized in the preparation of chiral compounds due to its stereogenic center, aiding in the production of enantiomerically pure drugs.