Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules and drug candidates. Its structure allows for selective modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs with enhanced biological activity. Commonly employed in peptide-based research and the preparation of protease inhibitors. The presence of both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups enables coupling reactions, facilitating its incorporation into larger molecular frameworks. Also utilized in the production of specialty chemicals requiring chiral building blocks.