Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of certain antibiotics and beta-amino acid derivatives. It serves as a building block in organic synthesis due to its functional groups, enabling the formation of peptides and other biologically active molecules. Its ester and amino groups allow for selective reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for developing drug candidates with improved stability and bioavailability. Also employed in the preparation of chiral compounds through asymmetric synthesis.