Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules. Its protected amine and carboxylic acid functionalities make it ideal for peptide coupling and solid-phase synthesis. The presence of a stereogenic center allows for enantioselective synthesis, which is critical in drug design where biological activity depends on molecular handedness. Commonly employed in the preparation of intermediates for antiviral and anticancer agents.