Used in the synthesis of antiviral agents, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors. Its bicyclic structure with an ether linkage and ester functionality makes it a valuable intermediate in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex molecules with biological activity. Commonly employed in routes to design HIV and HCV therapeutics due to its ability to mimic peptide bonds and enhance metabolic stability. Also utilized in stereoselective reactions where the rigid scaffold helps control spatial orientation of functional groups during drug synthesis.