Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral drugs, particularly in the development of nucleoside analogs. Its chiral cyclopentene backbone with protected amine and hydroxyl groups allows selective modifications essential for creating biologically active compounds. Commonly employed in pharmaceutical research for constructing cyclopentyl nucleosides that mimic natural nucleosides, interfering with viral replication. The tert-butyl carbamate group provides stability during synthesis and can be easily deprotected to release the amine for further coupling reactions. Valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing drug candidates targeting RNA viruses.