Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. It serves as a chiral building block in asymmetric synthesis due to its aldehyde functionality and hydroxyl group, enabling reactions such as reductions, oxidations, and condensations. Commonly employed in the preparation of lactate derivatives and bioactive molecules. Also finds use in research settings for studying metabolic pathways and enzyme-catalyzed reactions involving lactaldehyde species.