Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of protease inhibitors such as those used in antiviral therapies. Its stereochemistry allows for selective binding in enzyme active sites, making it valuable in drug development for diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. Commonly employed in peptide mimetic design to enhance metabolic stability and bioavailability. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis to introduce specific stereocenters in complex molecules.