Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of central nervous system drugs. Its structural motif allows for interaction with neurotransmitter systems, making it valuable in creating compounds that modulate neuronal activity. Commonly employed in the preparation of anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants due to its ability to mimic natural amino acid structures while providing enhanced metabolic stability. Also utilized in medicinal chemistry research for designing enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands where stereochemistry plays a critical role in biological activity.