Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules. Its rigid cyclic structure helps influence the conformation of peptide-like compounds, enhancing metabolic stability and binding selectivity. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its ability to mimic natural amino acids while providing improved pharmacokinetic properties. Also utilized in the preparation of organocatalysts and as an intermediate in asymmetric synthesis.