Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and antiviral agents. Its trifluoroethyl group enhances metabolic stability and membrane permeability, making it valuable in optimizing drug candidates. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship studies due to its rigid pyrrolidine scaffold and fluorinated side chain. Also utilized in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors where stereochemistry plays a critical role in activity.