Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. It serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of antibiotics, antifungal agents, and beta-blockers due to its enantiomerically pure hydroxy ester functionality. Also employed in the preparation of biodegradable polymers and as a precursor in flavor and fragrance formulations. Its role as a ketone body analog makes it useful in metabolic studies and neuroprotective research.