Used in the synthesis of protease inhibitors, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals targeting viral enzymes such as those in HIV and hepatitis C. Its chiral centers and functional groups make it a valuable intermediate for constructing complex molecules with high stereoselectivity. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for designing transition-state analogs that mimic peptide substrates, enhancing binding affinity to enzyme active sites. Also utilized in research settings to develop new classes of enzyme inhibitors with improved potency and selectivity.