Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other biologically active molecules. Its structure allows for selective modification in peptide-based drug design, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry research. Commonly employed in solid-phase and solution-phase peptide synthesis due to the presence of protected amine and carboxylic acid functional groups. Also utilized in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors where the naphthyl group enhances binding affinity through hydrophobic interactions.