Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other biologically active compounds. Its protected amine group allows for selective reactions in multi-step organic syntheses, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry. Commonly employed in the preparation of antiviral and anticancer agents due to its ability to mimic natural amino acid structures and enhance binding selectivity. Also utilized in the production of chiral building blocks for asymmetric synthesis.