Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as benazepril and other pharmaceuticals targeting hypertension. Its enantiomeric purity is critical for effective drug performance, making it valuable in asymmetric synthesis. Commonly employed in esterification and reduction reactions to form key intermediates in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Also utilized in the preparation of beta-amino acids and other bioactive molecules requiring stereochemical control.