Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and antiviral drugs. Its structural configuration supports the formation of biologically active molecules with high enantioselectivity. Commonly employed in the manufacture of hepatitis C and HIV treatments where precise stereochemistry is critical for drug efficacy. Also utilized in research settings for the design of enzyme inhibitors due to its ability to mimic transition states in peptide bond cleavage.