Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of protease inhibitors and other biologically active compounds. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, where stereochemistry plays a critical role in drug efficacy. Commonly employed in research settings for developing new therapeutic agents, especially in oncology and antiviral drug development. Also utilized in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors due to its ability to mimic transition states in peptide bond hydrolysis.