Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of complex pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and antiviral drugs. Its functional groups—hydroxyl, enoate ester, and protected amine—allow selective chemical modifications, enabling efficient coupling in multi-step organic syntheses. The dimethylhydrosulfinyl group acts as a directing or activating moiety, enhancing stereoselectivity during reactions. Commonly employed in research settings for constructing bioactive molecules with high enantiomeric purity.