Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds, particularly in the development of peptidomimetics and enzyme inhibitors. Its tert-butyl ester group provides steric protection and enhances lipophilicity, improving cell membrane permeability in drug design. Commonly employed in solid-phase peptide synthesis to introduce D-valine residues with controlled stereochemistry. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis and as an intermediate in the preparation of specialty chemicals and catalysts.