Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the production of protease inhibitors and antiviral drugs. Its fluorinated phenyl group enhances binding selectivity and metabolic stability in active compounds. Commonly employed in the development of treatments for hepatitis C and other viral infections due to its role in mimicking natural amino acid substrates. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis for constructing complex drug molecules with high enantiomeric purity.