Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable for constructing enantioselective drugs, especially in treatments targeting viral infections and neurological disorders. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to the stability and hydrogen-bonding capability of the acetamido group. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis and catalysis as a ligand precursor or intermediate.