This compound is primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in the production of enantiomerically pure compounds, which are crucial for developing medications with specific biological activities. It is often employed in the preparation of protease inhibitors, particularly those targeting viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis C. Additionally, its role in creating complex organic molecules makes it a useful building block in medicinal chemistry for designing and optimizing drug candidates. The tert-butyl group provides steric protection, enhancing the stability of intermediates during synthetic processes.