Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of steroid-based pharmaceuticals, this compound plays a key role in the development of drugs with hormonal activity. It is particularly valuable in the preparation of modified corticosteroids and anabolic agents, where precise stereochemistry is critical for biological activity. Its functionalized structure allows for selective derivatization, enabling the introduction of nitrogen-containing side chains that enhance solubility, receptor binding, or pharmacokinetic properties. It is employed in research and industrial settings for the efficient construction of complex steroid molecules with therapeutic potential.