Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where stereochemistry plays a critical role in biological activity. Its structure supports the formation of complex heterocyclic systems common in central nervous system agents and antimicrobial compounds. Frequently employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its ability to influence solubility, bioavailability, and metabolic stability. Also serves as an intermediate in the preparation of peptide mimetics and kinase inhibitors.