Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and peptide-based drugs. Its protected amine and carboxyl groups allow selective reactions in multi-step organic syntheses. Commonly employed in the preparation of beta-amino acids and enzyme inhibitors due to its stereochemical purity. Also utilized in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where enantioselectivity is critical for biological activity.