Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antidiabetic agents. It plays a role in the preparation of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, which are important in managing type 2 diabetes. Its structure allows for selective derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing drug potency and metabolic stability. Also employed in research settings for designing heterocyclic compounds with biological activity.