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. Its structure contains both a reactive ketone and an ester functional group, making it suitable for use in multi-step organic syntheses. Commonly employed in the preparation of peptidomimetics and heterocyclic compounds with biological activity. Also utilized in research settings for the development of enzyme inhibitors and central nervous system agents due to its ability to mimic peptide bonds while offering improved metabolic stability.