This chemical is primarily used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors. Its structure, featuring a difluorophenyl group and a protected amino acid moiety, makes it a valuable intermediate in medicinal chemistry. It is often employed in the production of drugs targeting viral infections, such as HIV and hepatitis C, due to its ability to mimic peptide substrates and inhibit viral enzymes. Additionally, it is utilized in research for designing and optimizing bioactive molecules with improved stability and efficacy.