Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other biologically active molecules. Its structural features make it valuable in medicinal chemistry for designing drugs that target specific enzyme activities. Commonly employed in research settings to build complex organic molecules with potential therapeutic effects, especially in neurology and antiviral therapy. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis due to its chiral center, enabling the production of enantiomerically pure compounds.