Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and functionalized polymers. Its hydroxyl groups allow for easy modification, making it suitable for crosslinking agents or building blocks in specialty chemicals. Commonly employed in the development of surfactants and emulsifiers due to its amphiphilic structure. Also finds use in the synthesis of prodrugs where controlled release is required, leveraging the benzyl-protected alcohol group that can be deprotected under mild conditions.