Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules. Its thiol and ester functional groups allow for versatile chemical modifications, such as conjugation reactions and protection-deprotection strategies in multi-step syntheses. Commonly employed in the development of protease inhibitors and other therapeutic agents where controlled reactivity and selective functionalization are required. Also utilized in the synthesis of specialty polymers and as a building block in medicinal chemistry research.