Used in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in the development of enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis for pharmaceuticals. The naphthyl group enhances lipophilicity, improving membrane permeability in drug design. Commonly employed as a building block in neuropharmaceutical research, especially in compounds targeting GABA-related pathways. Also utilized in the preparation of peptidomimetics due to its amino acid-like framework with constrained geometry.