Used in organic synthesis as a chiral building block for the preparation of biologically active compounds, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals. Its functional groups, including the thioester and hydroxymethyl moieties, allow for selective transformations and ring modifications. Commonly employed in the synthesis of protease inhibitors and other enzyme-targeted drugs due to its stereochemical purity and structural compatibility with peptidomimetic frameworks. Also serves as an intermediate in the preparation of neuroactive agents and antiviral compounds.