This compound is primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various biologically active molecules. Its structure, featuring both a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid, makes it a versatile building block for the development of complex drug candidates. It is often employed in the preparation of peptidomimetics and other small molecules targeting therapeutic areas such as central nervous system disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer. The tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) protecting group is particularly useful in organic synthesis, as it can be easily removed under mild acidic conditions, allowing for further functionalization of the molecule. Additionally, its chiral centers enable the production of enantiomerically pure compounds, which is critical in the design of drugs with high specificity and reduced side effects.