Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other biologically active molecules. Its protected amine and carboxylic acid functionalities make it suitable for peptide coupling and sequential elongation in solid-phase or solution-phase peptide synthesis. The stereochemistry at the alpha carbon ensures high enantioselectivity in final products, which is critical for drug efficacy and regulatory approval. Commonly employed in the preparation of intermediates for antiviral and anticancer agents.