Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules. Its structure allows for selective binding and stereochemical control during drug synthesis. Commonly employed in the preparation of beta-amino acid derivatives, which are important building blocks in peptidomimetic drugs. The presence of the nitro group enables further functionalization through reduction to an amine, facilitating the formation of amide bonds or other conjugations in complex molecule assembly. Widely utilized in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its modifiable functional groups and stable configuration.