Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly as an intermediate in the production of antiviral and antiretroviral drugs. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in creating enantiomerically pure compounds, which are critical for drug efficacy and safety. Commonly employed in the development of nucleoside analogs, it helps improve metabolic stability and bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Also utilized in research settings for designing enzyme inhibitors and probing biological pathways involving amino acid metabolism.