Used in the synthesis of chiral pharmaceuticals, particularly as a building block for protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, where it helps control the formation of specific enantiomers in drug development. Commonly employed in research settings for designing enzyme inhibitors due to the naphthyl group’s strong binding affinity with hydrophobic pockets in proteins. Also utilized in the preparation of intermediates for antitumor agents and antiviral compounds.